We had got to the antechamber. Gideon knocked at the door gently, then he
opened it, announcing--"Doctor Fritz."

I took a pace forward, and stood in the presence of Odile. Sperver had
retired, closing the door.

A strange impression crossed my mind at the sight of the young countess
standing pale and still, leaning upon the back of an arm-chair, her eyes
of feverish brightness, and robed in a long dress of rich black velvet.
But she stood calm and firm.

"Doctor," she said, motioning me to a chair, "pray sit down; I have a
very serious matter to speak to you about."

I obeyed in silence.

In her turn she sat down and seemed to be collecting her thoughts.

"Providence or an evil destiny, I know not which, has made you witness of
a mystery in which lies involved the honour of my family."

So she knew it all!

I sat confounded and astonished.

"Madam, believe me, it was but by chance--"

"It is useless," she interrupted; "I know it all, and it is frightful!"

Then, in a heartrending appealing voice, she cried--