the pulse of the masked lady; not that he gave it a single thought,
but under cover of that medical action he could reflect, and he did
reflect on his own situation. In none of the shameful and criminal
intrigues in which superior force had compelled him to act as a blind
instrument, had precautions been taken with such mystery as in this
case. Though his death had often been threatened as a means of
assuring the secrecy of enterprises in which he had taken part against
his will, his life had never been so endangered as at that moment. He
resolved, before all things, to find out who it was who now employed
him, and to discover the actual extent of his danger, in order to
save, if possible, his own little person.

"What is the trouble?" he said to the countess in a low voice, as he
placed her in a manner to receive his help.

"Do not give him the child--"

"Speak loud!" cried the count in thundering tones which prevented
Beauvouloir from hearing the last word uttered by the countess. "If
not," added the count who was careful to disguise his voice, "say your
'In manus.'"

"Complain aloud," said the leech to the lady; "cry! scream! Jarnidieu!
that man has a necklace that won't fit you any better than me.
Courage, my little lady!"

"Touch her lightly!" cried the count.

"Monsieur is jealous," said the operator in a shrill voice,
fortunately drowned by the countess's cries.