He half resolved to tell her how he had been acting as a spy upon her actions, and at whose desire he had done it.

But he was afraid of Morin, and of the vengeance which he was sure would fall upon him for any breach of confidence.

Towards half-past eight that evening--Pierre, watching, saw Virginie arrange several little things--she was in the inner room, but he sat where he could see her through the glazed partition.

His mother sat--apparently sleeping--in the great easy- chair; Virginie moved about softly, for fear of disturbing her.

She made up one or two little parcels of the few things she could call her own: one packet she concealed about herself--the others she directed, and left on the shelf.