ngly foolish of her to
wish to save this woman; her nightmare began once more; her hands
slipped into her pocket, and finding the letter there, clasped it in a
feverish grasp. Why should she have any care for the happiness of
others, when they had no care for her and did not suffer as she did?

"Oh! capital, capital," exclaimed Juliette of a sudden.

Madame Berthier's head was now reclining on Madame de Guiraud's
shoulder, and she was declaring through her sobs: "'I am sure that he
loves her; I am sure of it!'"

"Your success will be immense," said Juliette. "Say that once more: 'I
am sure that he loves her; I am sure of it.' Leave your head as it is.
You're divine. Now, Madame de Guiraud, your turn."

"'No, no, my child, it cannot be; it is a caprice, a fancy,'" replied
the stout lady.

"Perfect! but oh, the scene is a long one, isn't it? Let us rest a
little while. We must have that incident in proper working order."

Then they all three plunged into a discussion regarding the
arrangement of the drawing-room. The dining-room door, to the left,
would serve for entrances and exits; an easy-chair could be placed on
the right, a couch at the farther end, and the table could be pushed
close to the fireplace. Helene, who had risen, followed them about, as
though she felt an interest in these scenic arrangements. She had now
abandoned her idea of eliciting an explanation, and merely wished to
make a last effort to prevent Juliette from going to the place of
meeting.

"I intended asking you," she said to her, "if it isn't to-day that you
mean to pay Madame de Chermette a visit?"

"Yes, this afternoon."

"Then, if you'll allow me, I'll go with you; it's such a long time
since I promised to go to see her."

For a moment Juliette betrayed signs of embarrassment, but speedily
regained her self-possession.

"Of course, I should be very happy. Only I have so many things to look
after; I must do some shopping first, and I have no idea at what time
I shall be able to get to Madame de Chermette's."

"That doesn't matter," said Helene; "it will enable me to have a
walk."

"Listen; I will speak to you candidly. Well, you must not press me.
You would be in my way. Let it be some other Monday."

This was said without a trace of emotion, so flatly and with so quiet
a smile that Helene was dumbfounded and uttered not another syllable.
She was obliged to lend some assistance to Juliette, who suddenly
decided to bring the t