Then the image of Alba, which had haunted him since the previous day, suddenly presented itself to his mind.

He recalled the sombre anguish he had surprised in the young girl's eyes, then her comforted glance when her mother smiled at once upon Gorka and Maitland.

He recalled the anonymous letter and the mysterious hatred which impended over Madame Steno.

If the quarrel between Boleslas and Florent became known, there was no doubt that it would be said generally that Florent was fighting for his brother-in-law on account of the Countess.

No doubt, too, that the report would reach the poor Contessina.