"Nothing unpleasant—no one molested you, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth Dollon, for she it was, shook her head and smiled a smile both sad and sweet.
"Ah, no, madame!... I was sure you would be waiting for me—I am so sorry!"
"No, not at all!... Tell me, Elizabeth.... Jules has told me that you would not be going out to-morrow. The poor fellow is so stupid that I ask myself if he has not made a mistake?"
"No," said Elizabeth. "It is quite true.... I do not think I shall go out, either in the morning or the afternoon."
"You expect a caller?"
"It is possible someone may come to see me.... If by any chance I have to go out for a few minutes, to get something or other, I must warn Jules: he must make the visitor wait: I shall not go far in case..."
"All right! That's settled then, darling. Now, good night, I am going to my room."
"Good evening, madame, and good night!"
Leaving stout and kindly Madame Bourrat, owner of this private boarding-house where Elizabeth Dollon had found a refuge, the poor girl, still with a smile on her pale lips, made her way upstairs, entered her bedroom, and carefully locked the door. She lit the lamp. Her face now wore a tragic look: its expression was wild and desperate....