Page:The Old Countess (1927).pdf/345

 Germaine who sported shrilly in the corridor: '' ' Tais-toi, Germaine. Tu auras une claque si tu cries comme celà! ' ''

'All right, then,' Dick muttered. 'I'll be waiting.' He closed his door.

'Did Madame see Madame la comtesse last night?' Amélie then inquired.

'Yes. Why?' Jill looked up, startled.

'The old lady seems to have lost her wits,' said Amélie, while a deeper pleasure shone from her face. 'Jean, the baker's boy, drove down from Mérinac last night and saw her in the forest, running down the road, bareheaded; not even a cloak upon her in the storm. Mademoiselle Ludérac and Monsieur Trumier came after her and led her back to the Manoir.'

'Good Heavens!' said Jill, to herself, though she spoke aloud. She was thinking of this end to Marthe's day.

Amélie looked at her consideringly and ventured further.

 ' Elle est toquée, '  she placed a finger on her forehead.' can heard her screaming out the name of Monsieur and that she must go to him;—that she had something to say to him; a confession to make; and that he would forgive her. Jean thinks that Mademoiselle Ludérac promised her that she should see him. Only so would she consent to be led away at last. Ah—it is a sad life for that young person, is it not, Madame?—First the mad mother and then the mad friend.'

'If only she were mad. That would be a comfort,' Jill thought. Aloud she said; 'Mademoiselle Ludérac