"The countess, then, is dead?"
"No, but her life is despaired of; she has been stabbed with a stiletto."
"Horrible!" exclaimed Rodolph. "Who committed the crime?"
"That is not ascertained; the murder was accompanied with robbery; a large quantity of jewels have been stolen."
"And how is she now?"
"She has not recovered her senses yet; her brother is in despair."
"Send some one daily to make inquiries, my dear De Graün."
At this moment Murphy entered, having returned from St. Lazare.
"Sad news!" said Rodolph to him; "Sarah has been stabbed."
"Ah, monseigneur, though very guilty, one must still pity her."