I know not by what strange and sudden connection of ideas so simple an incident attracted my attention and disturbed my mind.

I left abruptly the arm-chair in which I had been slumbering, and I went up to a window.

I distinctly saw a man moving off with discreet steps in the direction of the avenue.

I had no difficulty in satisfying myself that the door through which he had just passed, was that which gives access to the wing of the chateau contiguous to the library.

This part of the house contains several rooms devoted to transient guests; I knew that all were vacant at this moment, unless Madame de Palme, as it often happened, had occupied for the night the lodging that was always set apart for her in that wing.
You may guess what strange thought floated across my brain.