each other in cold blood that neither can ever forgive."

From the air with which Mascarin listened to these details, it almost
seemed as if he had been aware of them before.

"Then," said he, "Mademoiselle Sabine is the only nice one in the
house?"

"Yes, she is always gentle and considerate."

"Then you think that M. de Breulh-Faverlay will be a happy man?"

"Oh, yes; but perhaps this marriage will----" but here Florestan
interrupted himself and assumed an air of extreme caution. After looking
carefully round, he lowered his voice, and continued, "Mademoiselle
Sabine has been left so much to herself that she acts just as she thinks
fit."

"Do you mean," asked Mascarin, "that the young lady has a lover?"

"Just so."

"But that must be wrong; and let me tell you that you ought not to
repeat such a story."

The man grew quite excited.

"Story," repeated he; "I know what I know. If I spoke of a lover, it is
because I have seen him with my own eyes, not once, but twice."