The marchioness drew a key from her bosom and held it before him.

"Do you see that ?" she whispered, while for an instant a smile lighted up her face.

"This key belongs to the man who first brings me word of that woman's death." So saying, she kissed the little key and held it to the other's lips to kiss also.

"What do you say ?" "I am wont only to think and to act, not to promise," was his reply.
"Very well.

_Au revoir!_" The marchioness pulled her bell-cord three times for her maid,--a signal for her visitor to retire.