Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 2).djvu/311

 "Tell me you loved me," he said; "that you, too, meant your words." She put her hands over her face, and uneasily he saw the diamonds on her fingers. The door opened, and with a start they drew back.

"Madame," said Susette, entering hurriedly, "milor has returned suddenly. Important business takes him to England; we leave Paris in two hours' time. The portrait is to go finished or unfinished."

"Ah! take it, Susette, but carry it carefully, for it is not yet dry," Lady Harlekston said impetuously.

"And here is a letter for milady; milord told me to ask you to open it immediately."

"Yes, yes; but take the portrait, Susette. Let it go," she whispered to Carbouche, who stepped forward as Susette went towards the easel.

"But I must touch it," he said, bewildered.

"Ah! no, no," she whispered again. "Let it go. Carry it carefully, Susette, and rest it against the back seat. You need not return. I will descend in a moment."

As Susette vanished, Lady Harlekston opened the letter from her husband. There was an envelope enclosed. She looked at the address, and hurriedly put on her cloak.

"But now, Madeline, tell me—tell me," Carbouche said, eagerly.

She looked up; he saw her face, and started back with dismay.

"Ah! monsieur," she said politely, "this letter is for you. And now"

She went two steps towards the door.

"But tell me," he said, with a gasp; "in this last moment, before you go, tell me, did you mean"

A mocking laugh came from her lips.

"Oh! monsieur," she said. "But the portrait is finished, and it is charming. Adieu! A million thanks," and she swept from the room.

"Madeline!" he exclaimed, petrified; but she was already descending the stairs.

"Adieu!" she laughed up at him. "The portrait is finished, and the last touches were perfect. That is all I wanted."

He drew back, and stood looking at the empty easel, bewildered. There was a grating sound on the gravel. She had gone. Mechanically he tore open the envelope in his hand. A dozen bank-notes fluttered from it, and scattered themselves at his feet.