Miretta hurried back to the Hôtel de Santoval; she remembered how precipitately she had left the house, and she feared that her mistress would be displeased with her for absenting herself at a time when she required her services; so that Miretta was almost trembling when she returned to the house.
She had no sooner entered than a servant informed her that her mistress wished to see her.
Valentine was alone in her bedroom; her expression was not at all stern, but it denoted profound reflection.
When she saw Miretta, she motioned to her to lock all the doors with care, then beckoned her to a seat on a stool by her side.
Miretta walked toward her and began to falter some words of apology; but Valentine placed a finger on her lips and again pointed to the stool.
The girl seated herself, speechless with surprise, and waited anxiously to hear what her mistress could have to say to her that demanded so much mystery.
Valentine fastened her great velvety dark-gray eyes on those of her maid, who looked down at the floor; then she said to her, taking care to speak low:
"Miretta, swear that you will answer frankly the question I am about to ask you; swear that you will not lie to me!"
The girl looked up, glanced at her mistress, and, seeing nothing in her expression to indicate anger, answered: