Julie trembled at this request, which seemed to her of bad omen.

Why did her father ask for this key which she always kept, and which was only taken from her in childhood as a punishment?
The young girl looked at Morrel.
"What have I done wrong, father," she said, "that you should take this key from me ?" "Nothing, my dear," replied the unhappy man, the tears starting to his eyes at this simple question,--"nothing, only I want it." Julie made a pretence to feel for the key.

"I must have left it in my room," she said.

And she went out, but instead of going to her apartment she hastened to consult Emmanuel.

"Do not give this key to your father," said he, "and to-morrow morning, if possible, do not quit him for a moment." She questioned Emmanuel, but he knew nothing, or would not say what he knew.