The people grew afraid of her; but, now, see what happens! Suddenly, she appears no more; some one ventures to ask this Monsieur Gueldmar, 'What has become of Madame ?' His answer is brief.

'She is dead!' Satisfactory so far, yet not quite; for, Madame being dead, then what has become of the corpse of Madame?
It was never seen,--no coffin was ever ordered,--and apparently it was never buried! _Bien!_ What follows?
The good people of Bosekop draw the only conclusion possible--Monsieur Gueldmar, who is said to have a terrific temper, killed Madame and made away with her body.

_Voila_!" And Duprez waved his hand with an air of entire satisfaction.
Errington's brow grew sombre.

"This is the story, is it ?" he asked at last.
"It is enough, is it not ?" laughed Duprez.

"But, after all, what matter?
It will be novel to dine with a mur--" "Stop!" said Philip fiercely, with so much authority that the sparkling Pierre was startled.