Page:The Mystery of Madeline Le Blanc (1900).djvu/87

Rh "Yes, only I, no other."

"Why have you run so? you gasp for breath," said Madame, throwing her arms about her neck.

"You will also gasp in a moment. I will tell you. Let me sit down."

"Yes, come here, my child," said Madame, leading her into the house, and kissing her again and again.

Irène sat down. "Give mea drink of water," she said, nervously trying to fasten up her hair, which had fallen over her shoulders.

"You are not well," said Monsieur, as the water was being brought. "You look so pale, and stare so, What has befallen you?"

"No, no, I am not sick; I will tell you when I get some water and my breath."

"Here is water, my child."

Irène took a few swallows between breaths, and holding hersides, said, "Now sit down, both of you; I have something to say."

Monsieur and Madame obeyed, looking at each other and then at the breathless, pale, nervous and staring Irène. She was greatly changed.