Marie nodded. 'She is in his pay,' she said simply.
'His? The general's?'
'Yes,' Marie answered, speaking quickly, with her eyes on the door. 'She met him last night, and told him what you feel about him.'
The Countess drew a deep breath. Her face turned a shade paler. She sat up straight in her chair. 'All?' she said huskily.
Marie nodded.
'And he?'
'He said he would have an answer to-day. Then I left. I did not hear any more.'
The Countess sat for a minute as if turned to stone. Here was an end of putting off--of smiles, and pleasant words, and the little craftinesses which had hitherto served her. Stern necessity, hard fate were before her. She was of a high courage, but terror was fast mastering her, when Marie touched her on the arm.
'If you can put him off, until this evening,' the girl muttered, 'I think something may be done.'
'What?'