son. So deep was her reverie that she did not hear the room door open,
did not perceive that darkness had come on. The light of a candle,
dispersing the shadows, made her start; she turned her head, and saw
Derues coming towards her. He smiled, and she made an effort to keep
back the tears which were shining in her eyes, and to appear calm.

"I am afraid I disturb you," he said. "I came to ask a favour, madame."

"What is it, Monsieur Derues?" she inquired.

"Will you allow me to have a large chest brought into this room? I ought
to pack some valuable things in it which are in my charge, and are now in
this cupboard. I am afraid it will be in your way."

"Is it not your own house, and is it not rather I who am in the way and a
cause of trouble? Pray have it brought in, and try to forget that I am
here. You are most kind to me, but I wish I could spare you all this
trouble and that I were fit to go back to Buisson. I had a letter from
my husband yesterday----"

"We will talk about that presently, if you wish it," said Derues. "I will
go and fetch the servant to help me to carry in this chest. I have put it
off hitherto, but it really must be sent in three days."

He went away, and returned in a few minutes. The chest was carried in,
and placed before the cupboard at the foot of the bed. Alas! the poor
lady little thought it was her own coffin which stood before her!

The maid withdrew, and Derues assisted Madame de Lamotte to a seat near
the fire, which he revived with more fuel. He sat down opposite to her,