"It is to prevent the commission of the crime you meditate, and for which you have been _paid_, that I am determined to remain with him." As she said this, a singular and frightful change took place in the nurse's appearance.

A slight expression of alarm was at first visible, but it was instantly succeeded by a look so savage and vindictive, that Nizza almost repented having provoked the ire of so unscrupulous a person.

But summoning up all her resolution, she returned Judith's glance with one as stern and steady, if not so malignant as her own.

A deep silence prevailed for a few minutes, during which each fancied she could read the other's thoughts.

In Nizza's opinion, the nurse was revolving some desperate expedient, and she kept on her guard, lest an attack should be made upon her life.