It was horrible! horrible!' Mademoiselle uttered a moan of pain; and I turned to support her, thinking each second to see her fall.

But with a sudden movement she straightened herself, and, quickly slipping by me, with eyes that seemed to see nothing, she set off swiftly down the walk towards the meadow gate.
I ran after her; but, taken by surprise as I was, it was only by a great effort I reached the gate before her, and thrusting myself in the road, barred the way.
'Let me pass!' she panted, striving to thrust me on one side.

'Out of my way, sir! I am going to the village.' 'You are not going to the village,' I said sternly.

'Go back; to the house, Mademoiselle, and at once.' 'My servant!' she wailed.

'Let me go! Let me go! Do you think I can rest here while they torture him?
He cannot speak, and they--they--' 'Go back, Mademoiselle,' I said, with decision.