The woman thought her crazy. Marie still held the mirror before Paul's lips. Dead silence; her own poor heart nearly stopped—the mirror was tarnished!
III.
Seven years afterwards M. le Baron de Brienne was conversing in a numerous and choice circle. It was at a grand dinner. The women were crowned with flowers and sparkling with jewels. The conversation turned upon a great crime which had recently been committed, the details of which filled two columns of every paper. Suddenly the Baron de Brienne became singularly agitated, and then, in a voice which he endeavored to keep calm, but whose trembling was still further shown by the effort to subdue it, said:
“It appears that the police have not yet discovered any trace of the assassin.”
“I don't know,” replied a guest.
“I believe not,” said another.
“Excuse me,” replied a third person; “according to the latest accounts, the police, if not positively sure, had at least great hopes.”
The Baron de Brienne was as white as his napkin. He tried to [pg 702] overcome and conceal his excitement, and attempted to eat; but the effort was too great. He swooned, and fell heavily to the ground.
Every one rose and crowded around him. Water was thrown in his face, salts were held for him to inhale. The hostess neglected none of the ceremonies usual in such cases. Fortunately, there was a physician among the guests. Every attention was lavished upon M. le Baron. His carriage was called, and he was taken home.
The next day he was better; at the end of three days he was well. He made them bring any quantity of papers, and read them to him. Mme. la Baronne, who was the reader, suddenly paused, and said: