Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/235

Rh "My child," said Madame de Piennes, taking her hand, "be reasonable; listen to me. Remember what you have promised me!"

Then she cast a calm but imperious look toward Max, who went out immediately. Arsène fell back upon the bed; upon seeing him depart she had fainted.

Madame de Piennes and the nurse, who came in just after, revived her with the skill which women possess in such emergencies. By degrees Arsène regained consciousness. At first she cast a glance around the room, as though searching for him whom she remembered to have seen there but a few moments before; then she turned her great black eyes toward Madame de Piennes, and regarding her fixedly:

"Is he your husband? " she said.

"No," replied Madame de Piennes, colouring slightly, but without the sweetness of her voice being altered; "M. de Salligny is a relative of mine."

She thought that she might allow herself that little untruth, to explain the influence which she had over him.

"Then," said Arsène, "it is you that he loves!"

And she fixed her eyes steadily upon her, burning like two flames of fire.