Louise; and leave me to get ready my dress of ceremony."

Louise arose; her mother took her by the hand, and led her
out on to the landing.

"Come along," said she; then adding in a low voice, "When I
forbid you to come to the apartment of Montalais, why do you
do so?"

"Madame, she is my friend. Besides, I had but just come."

"Did you see nobody concealed while you were there?"

"Madame!"

"I saw a man's hat, I tell you -- the hat of that fellow,
that good-for-nothing!"

"Madame!" repeated Louise.

"Of that do-nothing De Malicorne! A maid of honor to have
such company -- fie! fie!" and their voices were lost in the
depths of the narrow staircase.

Montalais had not missed a word of this conversation, which
echo conveyed to her as if through a tunnel. She shrugged
her shoulders on seeing Raoul, who had listened likewise,
issue from the closet.

"Poor Montalais!" said she, "the victim of friendship! Poor