But not to the Countess.

Her face burned, her temples throbbed, her fingers gripped the side of the boat in the vain attempt to steady her pulses.

The packet within her dress scorched her.

The great city and its danger, Tavannes and his faith in her, the need of action, the irrevocableness of action hurried through her brain.

The knowledge that she must act now--or never--pressed upon her with distracting force.
Her hand felt the packet, and fell again nerveless.
"The sun has caught you, _ma mie_," Madame St.Lo said.