As the report of what had occurred in the Place de Greve could not have preceded them, Vallombreuse thought it better to proceed at a more moderate pace--fearing that their very speed might arouse suspicion--and gave orders accordingly; as soon as they were fairly beyond the gate he took Chiquita into the carriage--where she seated herself, without a word, opposite to de Sigognac.

Under the calmest exterior she was filled with a preternatural excitement--not a muscle of her face moved; but a bright flush glowed on her usually pale cheeks, which gave to her magnificent dark eyes--now fixed upon vacancy, and seeing nothing that was before them--a marvellous brilliancy.

A complete transformation had taken place in Chiquita--this violent shock had torn asunder the childish chrysalis in which the young maiden had lain dormant--as she plunged her knife into Agostino's heart she opened her own.

Her love was born of that murder--the strange, almost sexless being, half child, half goblin, that she had been until then, existed no longer--Chiquita was a woman from the moment of that heroic act of sublime devotion.

Her passion, that had bloomed out in one instant, was destined to be eternal--a kiss and a stab, that was Chiquita's love story.
The carriage rolled smoothly and swiftly on its way towards Vallombreuse, and when the high, steep roof of the chateau came in sight the young duke said to de Sigognac, "You must go with me to my room first, where you can get rid of the dust, and freshen up a bit before I present you to my sister--who knows nothing whatever of my journey, or its motive.