Already, even in the roadway, there was a glimmering of it; and as I stood at the corner of the house--where I could command both the front and the side on which the stable opened--sniffing the fresh air, and looking for any trace of the midnight departure, my eyes detected something light-coloured lying on the ground.

It was not more than two or three paces from me, and I stepped to it and picked it up curiously, hoping that it might be a note.

It was not a note, however, but a tiny orange-coloured sachet such as women carry in the bosom.

It was full of some faintly-scented powder, and bore on one side the initial 'E,' worked in white silk; and was altogether a dainty little toy, such as women love.
Doubtless Madame de Cocheforet had dropped it in the night.

I turned it over and over; and then I put it in my pouch with a smile, thinking that it might be useful sometime, and in some way.