The duchess had just given another quick glance at the door, when she fancied she heard a footstep outside, near the window that overlooked the garden, and she was about to rise and satisfy her doubts, when the door opened, and Madame Moufflon ushered in M. de Maillefort.
That gentleman was hardly in the room, however, before he turned and said to the portress:
"A lady will come and ask to see Mlle. Herminie, in a few moments—you will admit her."
"Yes, monsieur," replied Madame Moufflon, deferentially, as she took her departure.
On hearing the words, "A lady will come and ask to see Mlle. Herminie," the girl sprang forward hastily, exclaiming:
"Mon Dieu! M. le marquis,—this lady—whom you expect—?"
"Is she!" replied the marquis, radiant with joy and hope. "Yes, she is coming at last!"
Then, seeing Herminie turn as pale as death and tremble violently in every limb, the hunchback cried:
"What is the matter, my child? Tell me, what is the matter?"
"Ah, monsieur," said the duchess, faintly, "I don't know why, but now, oh, I feel so afraid!"