have the still more precious instinct that enables them to preserve those
they love. God has given me this instinct. I tell you that you are
betrayed!" And with animated look, and cheeks slightly colored with
emotion, the speaker laid such stress upon the last words, and
accompanied them with such energetic gesture, that Mdlle. de Cardoville
already shaken by the girl's warmth, began almost to share in her
apprehensions. Then, although she had before learned to appreciate the
superior intelligence of this poor child of the people, Mdlle. de
Cardoville had never till now heard her friend express herself with so
much eloquence--an eloquence, too, that was inspired by the noblest
sentiments. This circumstance added to the impression made upon Adrienne.
But at the moment she was about to answer, a knock was heard at the door
of the room, and Florine entered.

On seeing the alarmed countenance of her waiting-maid, Mdlle. de
Cardoville said hastily: "Well, Florine! what news? Whence come you, my
child?"

"From Saint-Dizier House, madame."

"And why did you go there?" asked Mdlle. de Cardoville, with surprise.

"This morning," said Florine, glancing at the workgirl, "madame, there,
confided to me her suspicions and uneasiness. I shared in them. The visit
of the Abbe d'Aigrigny to M. Rodin appeared to me very serious. I
thought, if it should turn out that M. Rodin had been during the last few
days to Saint-Dizier House, there would be no longer any doubt of his
treachery."

"True," said Adrienne, more and more uneasy. "Well?"