He went along the Rue de Provence as quickly as possible, gained the Rue St.Lazare, and entered the house as he had departed, by the stable door.

He had but just sat down in his study, when the servant knocked.
"Sir," cried she, "in heaven's name answer me!" He opened the door and said impatiently, "What is it ?" "Sir," stammered the girl in tears, "this is the third time I have knocked, and you have not answered.

Come, I implore you.

I am afraid madame is dying!" He followed her to Madame Gerdy's room.

He must have found the poor woman terribly changed, for he could not restrain a movement of terror.
The invalid struggled painfully beneath her coverings.