"She has not been into the world these three years.

Does she take such a step at half an hour's notice, and without consulting me ?" "She consulted me, dear mother, five minutes since," said Valentin, "and I told her that such a beautiful woman--she is beautiful, you will see--had no right to bury herself alive." "You should have referred Claire to her mother, my brother," said M.de Bellegarde, in French.

"This is very strange." "I refer her to the whole company!" said Valentin.

"Here she comes!" And he went to the open door, met Madame de Cintre on the threshold, took her by the hand, and led her into the room.

She was dressed in white; but a long blue cloak, which hung almost to her feet, was fastened across her shoulders by a silver clasp.