"What fears, in Heaven's name?"

"I will tell you when everything is settled," she replied, as she made
her escape from the room.

She did not doubt the reports which had reached her ears, of Martial's
frequent visits to Marie-Anne, but she wished to see for herself.

So, as soon as she left her father, she obliged Aunt Medea to dress
herself, and without vouchsafing a single word of explanation, took her
with her to the Reche, and stationed herself where she could command a
view of M. Lacheneur's house.

It chanced to be the very day on which M. d'Escorval came to ask an
explanation from his friend. She saw him come; then, after a little,
Martial made his appearance.

She had not been mistaken--now she could go home satisfied.

But no. She resolved to count the seconds which Martial passed with
Marie-Anne.

M. d'Escorval did not remain long; she saw Martial hasten out after him,
and speak to him.

She breathed again. His visit had not lasted a half hour, and doubtless
he was going away. Not at all. After a moment's conversation with the
baron, he returned to the house.