But Sabine's name was not there; it was signed Modeste.
What could Sabine's maid have to say to him?
He felt that some great misfortune was impending, and, trembling with excitement, he read the letter.
"SIR,-- "I write to tell you that my mistress has succeeded in the matter she spoke of to you; but I am sorry to say that I have bad news to give you, for she is seriously ill." "Ill!" exclaimed Andre, crushing up the letter in his hands, and dashing it upon the floor.

"Ill! ill!" he repeated, not heeding the presence of the portress; "why, she may be dead;" and, snatching up his hat, he dashed downstairs into the street.
As soon as the portress was left alone, she picked up the letter, smoothed it out, and read it.
"And so," murmured she, "the little lady's name was Sabine--a pretty name; and she is ill, is she?
I expect that the old gent who called this morning, and asked so many questions about M.Andre, would give a good deal for this note; but no, that would not be fair.".