true enough--which at times compelled me to shut myself
up in a dark room and forego all company. That I felt one of these
spells coming on--which was not true--and that by a speedy resort to
darkness and quiet, I hoped to prevent the attack from reaching its
usual point of distress. Mademoiselle Letellier looked disappointed, but
madame ill disguised her relief and satisfaction. Convinced now beyond
all doubt that she had some plan in mind which made her dread my
watchfulness, I made such final arrangements as were necessary, and
betook myself at once to my new room. Once there, I moved immediately
into the dark chamber, and walking with the utmost circumspection,
crossed to the wall adjoining the oak parlor, and laying my ear against
the opening into that room, I listened.

At first I heard nothing, probably because its inmates were still. Then
I caught an exclamation of weariness, and soon some words of desultory
conversation. Relieved beyond expression, not only because I could hear,
but because they talked in English, I withdrew again into my own room.
The most difficult problem in the world was solved. I had found the
means by which I could insinuate myself, unseen and unsuspected, into
the secret confidences of two women, at moments when they felt
themselves alone and at the mercy of no judgment but that of God. Should
I learn enough to pay me for the humiliation of my position? I did not
weary myself by questioning. I knew my motive was pure, and fixed my
mind upon that.

Several times before the day was over did I return to the secret chamber
and bend my ear to the wall. But in no instance did I linger long, for
if the two ladies spoke at all it was on trivial subjects, and in such
tones as indicated that neither their passions nor any particular
interests were engaged. For such talk I had no ear.

"It will not be always so," I thought to myself. "When night comes and
the heart opens, they will speak of what lies upon their minds."

And so it happened. As the inn grew quiet and the lights began to
disappear from the windows, I crept again to my station against the
partition, and in a darkness and atmosphere that at any other time in my
life would have completely unnerved me, hearkened to the conversation
within.

"Oh, mamma," were the first words I heard, uttered in English, as all
their talk was when they were moved or excited, "if you would only
explain! If you would only tell me why you do not wish me