The girl shrank back, her hands clenched, her lip caught in her teeth.
"There is a God in heaven, madame," she reminded the Marquise.
"Aye--in heaven," laughed the Marquise, turning to depart.

She paused by the door, which the Italian had sprung forward to open for her.
"Marius shall take the air with you in the morning if it is fine.

Ponder meanwhile what I have said." "Does this man remain here, madame ?" inquired the girl, vainly seeking to render her voice steady.
"In the outer anteroom is his place: but as the key of this room is on his side of the door, he may enter here when he so pleases, or when he thinks that he has reason to.

If the sight of him displeases you, you may lock yourself from it in your own chamber yonder." The same she said in Italian to the man, who bowed impassively, and followed the Dowager into the outer room, closing the door upon mademoiselle.

It was a chamber almost bare of furniture, save for a table and chair which had been placed there, so that the gaoler might take his meals.
The man followed the Marquise across the bare floor, their steps resounding as they went, and he held the outer door for her.
Without another word she left him, and where he stood he could hear her steps as she tripped down the winding staircase of stone.