-two hours? She had not the slightest idea. But she DID know that
she had not a second to lose, that Madame Leon might return at any
moment, and find the letter missing; and, to crown all, she remembered
now that she had not even locked the drawer again. "I cannot wait," she
said, imperiously. "I must speak to M. Carjat at once."

"But----"

"At once, I tell you. Go and tell him that he must come."

Her tone was so commanding, and there was so much authority in her
glance, that the servant hesitated no longer. He ushered her into a
little sitting-room, and said, "If madame will take a seat, I will call
monsieur."

She sank on to a chair, for her limbs were failing her. She was
beginning to realize the strangeness of the step she had taken--to fear
the result it might lead to--and to be astonished at her own boldness.
But she had no time to prepare what she wished to say, for a man of
five-and-thirty, wearing a mustache and imperial, and clad in a velvet
coat, entered the room, and bowing with an air of surprise, exclaimed:
"You desire to speak with me, madame?"

"I have a great favor to ask of you, monsieur."

"Of me?"

She drew M. de Valorsay's letter from her pocket, and, showing it to
the photographer, she said, "I have come to you, monsieur, to ask you
to photograph this letter--but at once--before me--and quickly--very
quickly. The honor of two persons is imperilled by each moment I lose
here."

Mademoiselle Marguerite's embarrassment was extreme. Her cheeks were
crimson, and she trembled like a leaf. Still her attitude was proud,
generous enthusiasm glowed in her dark eyes, and her tone of voice
revealed the serenity of a lofty soul ready to dare anything for a just
and noble cause. This striking contrast--this struggle between girlish
timidity and a lover's virgil energy, endowed her with a strange and
powerful charm, which the photographer made no attempt to resist.
Unusual as was the request, he did not hesitate. "I am ready to do what
you desire, madame," he replied, bowing again.

"Oh! monsieur, how can I ever thank you?"

He did not stop to listen to her thanks. Not wishing to return to the
reception-room, where five or six clients were impatiently awaiting
their turn, he called one of his subordinates, and ordered him to bring
the necessary apparatus at once. While he was speaking, Mademoiselle
Marguerite paused; but, as soon as his instructions were concluded, she
remarked: "Perhaps you are to