"Dying!" exclaimed the girl, raising her tear-stained face and gazing wildly at her mother.
But hearing the knock repeated, Herminie hastily dried her tears, and, forcing herself to appear calm, said to her mother:
"This is the second time some one has knocked, madame la comtesse."
"Admit the person," murmured Madame de Beaumesnil, faintly, quite overcome by the painful scene. It proved to be the confidential maid of the countess. She entered, and said:
"I went to M. le Marquis de Maillefort as madame directed."
"Well?" demanded Madame de Beaumesnil, eagerly.
"And M. le marquis is waiting below until madame la comtesse is ready to see him."
"Heaven be praised!" murmured Madame de Beaumesnil, fervently. "God is rewarding me for having had the strength to keep my vow!"
Then, turning to the maid, she added:
"Bring M. de Maillefort here at once."