"It must seem strange to you that I am ready to take you at a
moment's notice. Shall I tell you why? It is," she continued,
taking my hand and placing it against her heart so that I could
feel how rapidly and violently it palpitated; "it is because I
shall not live as long as others, and I have promised myself to
live more quickly."

"Don't speak to me like that, I entreat you."

"Oh, make yourself easy," she continued, laughing; "however short
a time I have to live, I shall live longer than you will love
me!"

And she went singing into the dining-room.

"Where is Nanine?" she said, seeing Gaston and Prudence alone.

"She is asleep in your room, waiting till you are ready to go to
bed," replied Prudence.

"Poor thing, I am killing her! And now gentlemen, it is time to
go."

Ten minutes after, Gaston and I left the house. Marguerite shook
hands with me and said good-bye. Prudence remained behind.

"Well," said Gaston, when we were in the street, "what do you
think of Marguerite?"