"You sent for me, godmother?" said Iris.
"Yes; shut the door, see that no one can overhear us."
Iris went out for a moment, and then returned.
"No one, godmother."
Paula's heart beat in a strange manner, and she lowered her eyes before the searching glance of the gipsy girl; at length she said, making an effort over herself,—
"Listen to me attentively. The conversation I am about to have with you will be the last we shall ever have on the subject of—you know what. You said to me some days since,—'a word—a sign from you—this pin'—I suppose—and——"
Paula could not finish the sentence. Iris replied,—
"And you are free!"
"You told me so."
"I repeat it."