Clotilde in the midst of her ecstasy shuddered suddenly and started to her feet.
She had just heard a smothered cry, followed by the dull sound of a falling body.

She ran, opened the door, and in the center of the adjoining room saw Julia stretched upon the floor.
She supposed that the child at the moment of entering the parlor had overheard some of their words, and then the thought of seeing her father's place occupied by another, striking her thus without warning, had stirred to its very depths that passionate young soul.

Clotilde followed her into her room, where she had her carried, and expressed the wish of remaining alone with her.

While lavishing upon her cares, caresses, and kisses, it was not without fearful anguish that she awaited her daughter's first glance.

That glance fell upon her at first with vague uncertainty, then with a sort of wild stupor.