But the old servant, on being questioned, began by
raising her arms to heaven. She did not know where Monsieur might be,
Monsieur never left any address. At last, feeling frightened herself, she
made up her mind to hasten to the abode of the two women, aunt and niece,
with whom Beauchene spent the greater part of his time. She knew their
address perfectly well, as her mistress had even sent her thither in
pressing emergencies. But she learnt that the ladies had gone with
Monsieur to Nice for a holiday; whereupon, not desiring to return without
some member of the family, she was seized on her way back with the fine
idea of calling on Monsieur's sister, the Baroness de Lowicz, whom she
brought, almost by force, in her cab.
It was in vain that Boutan attempted treatment. When Constance opened her
eyes again, she looked at him fixedly, recognized him, no doubt, and then
lowered her eyelids. And from that moment she obstinately refused to
reply to any question that was put to her. She must have heard and have
known that people were there, trying to succor her. But she would have
none of their succor, she was stubbornly intent on dying, on giving no
further sign of life.
Pages:
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715