Part 106 (1/2)

Resolved to ascertain, she moistened the tip of her finger, and collected upon it a few atoms of the powder which she placed upon her tongue.

The taste was like that of an extremely acid apple.

Without hesitation, without remorse, without even turning pale, she poured into the bowl the entire contents of the vial.

Her self-possession was so perfect, she even recollected that the powder might be slow in dissolving, and she stirred it gently for a moment or more.

Having done this--she seemed to think of everything--she tasted the bouillon. She noticed a slightly bitter taste, but it was not sufficiently perceptible to awaken distrust.

Now Mme. Blanche breathed freely. If she could succeed in making her escape she was avenged.

She was going toward the door when a sound on the stairs startled her.

Two persons were ascending the staircase.

Where should she go? where could she conceal herself?

She was now so sure she would be detected that she almost decided to throw the bowl into the fire, and then boldly face the intruders.

But no--a chance remained--she darted into the dressing-room. She dared not close the door; the least click of the latch would have betrayed her.

Marie-Anne entered the chamber, followed by a peasant, bearing a large bundle.

”Ah! here is my candle!” she exclaimed, as she crossed the threshold.

”Joy must be making me lose my wits! I could have sworn that I left it on the table downstairs.” Blanche shuddered. She had not thought of this circ.u.mstance.

”Where shall I put this clothing?” asked the young peasant.

”Lay it down here. I will arrange the articles by and by,” replied Marie Anne.

The boy dropped his heavy burden with a sigh of relief.

”This is the last,” he exclaimed. ”Now, our gentleman can come.”

”At what hour will he start?” inquired Marie-Anne.

”At eleven o'clock. It will be nearly midnight when he gets here.”

Marie-Anne glanced at the magnificent clock on the mantel.

”I have still three hours before me,” said she; ”more time than I shall need. Supper is ready; I am going to set the table here, by the fire.

Tell him to bring a good appet.i.te.”

”I will tell him, and many thanks, Mademoiselle, for having come to meet me and aid me with my second load. It was not so very heavy, but it was clumsy to handle.”

”Will you not accept a gla.s.s of wine?”

”No, thank you. I must hasten back. _Au revoir_, Mademoiselle Lacheneur.”