And if he was not dead then, it is odds he will be dead by now." The words slipped out almost unconsciously, and the Marquise bit her lip and straightened herself, fearing an explosion.

But none came.

The girl looked across the table at the fire that smouldered on the hearth in need of being replenished.
"What do you mean, madame ?" she asked; but her tone was listless, apathetic, as of one who though uttering a question is incurious as to what the answer may be.
"We had news some days ago that he was journeying homewards, but that he was detained by fever at La Rochette.

We have since heard that his fever has grown so serious that there is little hope of his recovery." "And it was to solace his last moments that Monsieur Marius left Condillac this morning ?" The Dowager looked sharply at the girl; but Valerie's face continued averted, her gaze resting on the fire.

Her tone suggested nothing beyond a natural curiosity.
"Yes," said the Dowager.
"And lest his own efforts to help his brother out of this world should prove insufficient he took Captain Fortunio with him ?" said Valerie, in the same indifferent voice.
"What do you mean ?" the Marquise almost hissed into the girl's ear.
Valerie turned to her, a faint colour stirring in her white face.
"Just what I have said, madame.