I know you don't believe it, but it is the pure truth, as there is a God--yes, as there is a God! God knows me, and I pray to Him much oftener than is thought.

He has kept me from doing harm thus far, and I hope He will keep me from it forever; but it is a thing of which He has not the sole control--" She stopped for a moment, and then added in a firm tone: "You can do much toward it." "I, madam ?" "I have allowed you to take, I know not how--I really do not know how!--a great influence over my destiny.

Will you be willing to use it?
That is the question." "And in what capacity could I do so, pray, madam ?" I said slowly and in a tone of cold reserve.
"Ah!" she exclaimed, in a hoarse and energetic accent, "how can you ask me that?
It is too hard! you humiliate me too much!" She left my arm and returned abruptly into the parlor.

I remained for some time uncertain as to what course to pursue.

I thought first of following Madame de Palme and explaining to her that she was mistaken--which was true--as to the interrogative answer which had offended her.