the shock of her first impression remained still upon her mind and heart.
She felt still through every nerve the vibrations of that maddening
terror and despair which had overcome her senses for a moment. The
surprise, the shock, the horror, outlived the obliterating influence of
what followed. She was in this agitation when Mademoiselle de Barras
entered her chamber, resolved with all her art to second and support the
success of her prompt measures in the recent critical emergency. She had
come, she said, to bid her dear madame farewell, for she was resolved to
go. Her own room had been invaded, that insult and reproach might be
heaped upon her; how utterly unmerited Mrs. Marston knew. She had been
called by every foul name which applied to the spy and the maligner; she
could not bear it. Some one had evidently been endeavoring to procure her
removal, and had but too effectually succeeded. Mademoiselle was
determined to go early the next morning; nothing should prevent or retard
her departure; her resolution was taken. In this strain did mademoiselle
run on, but in a subdued and melancholy tone, and weeping profusely.

The wild and ghastly suspicions which had for a moment flashed terribly
upon the mind of Mrs. Marston, had faded away under the influences of
reason and reflection, although, indeed, much painful excitement still
remained, before Mademoiselle de Barras had visited her room. Marston's
temper she knew but too well; it was violent, bitter, and impetuous; and
though he cared little, if at all, for her, she had ever perceived that
he was angrily jealous of the slightest intimacy or confidence by which
any other than himself might establish an influence over her mind. That
he had learned the subject of some of her most interesting conversations
with mademoiselle she could not doubt, for he had violently upbraided
that young lady in her presence with having discussed it, and here now
was mademoiselle herself taking refuge with her from galling affront and
unjust reproach, incensed, wounded, and weeping. The whole thing was