Supposing he is going to get
married? But I will not allow it. I must make inquiries."
Noel, however, was not listening at the door. He went along the Rue de
Provence as quickly as possible, gained the Rue St. Lazare, and entered
the house as he had departed, by the stable door. He had but just sat
down in his study, when the servant knocked.
"Sir," cried she, "in heaven's name answer me!"
He opened the door and said impatiently, "What is it?"
"Sir," stammered the girl in tears, "this is the third time I have
knocked, and you have not answered. Come, I implore you. I am afraid
madame is dying!"
He followed her to Madame Gerdy's room. He must have found the poor
woman terribly changed, for he could not restrain a movement of terror.
The invalid struggled painfully beneath her coverings. Her face was of
a livid paleness, as though there was not a drop of blood left in her
veins; and her eyes, which glittered with a sombre light, seemed filled
with a fine dust. Her hair, loose and disordered, falling over her
cheeks and upon her shoulders, contributed to her wild appearance.
She uttered from time to time a groan hardly audible, or murmured
unintelligible words.
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