Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/134

112 "Monsieur," he said, "your servant, whom you told us was going to travel with you . . ." "Well? Has he come?" "No, Monsieur . . ."

"He is at the inn, and will come with the horses." "Monsieur, a lady came a little while ago and asked to speak to your servant. She absolutely insisted on going up to your room. Monsieur, and told me to tell your servant as soon as he came that Madam Lucrezia was in your room."

"In my room!" I cried, clutching hold of the bannister rail.

"Yes, Monsieur; and it looks as though she were going too, for she gave me a small box to put in the boot."

My heart beat loudly, and superstitious terror and curiosity possessed me in turn. I went up the stairs step by step. When I reached the first landing (my rooms were on the second floor), the waiter, who was in front of me, tripped, and the candle which he held in his hand was extinguished. He begged pardon profoundly, and went downstairs to relight it. I still climbed on.

I had my hand on the key of my room, but I hesitated. What fresh vision should I see?