It was evident that Kondje knew nothing about Daniel's visit. On my way out I spoke to Fanny, and gave her some instructions, telling her that I was going to send some flowers. This girl was quite devoted to me, and her discretion might be perfectly relied upon. However, as I did not wish her to think that I was questioning her about her mistress, I asked her in an indifferent manner if the count had not brought anything for me. "I don't know, sir," she answered. "The count came an hour ago, but he told me to send in his name to Mademoiselle Kondje's mother, who was expecting him, I think, and who ordered me to show him into the small drawing-room, where she went to see him. When he left, he said nothing to me." "Did he say nothing to Pierre?" I added. "Pierre was not in, sir," replied Fanny. "The count only spoke to Madame Murrah." "Ah, very well!" I said, carelessly. These inquiries had led me to a curious discovery. What was the meaning of this private interview between Kondje's mother and Daniel? Determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, I went up without any more ado to Madame Murrah's private sitting-room. She did not appear surprised, from which I concluded that she knew I was in the house, and was prepared to see me. For my part I pretended to have come to settle some details connected with the house and the stables, for I was obliged to assist her in the management of all her domestic affairs. She listened to what I said with that deferential sort of smile which she invariably assumes with me. When she was quite absorbed in the calculations which I had submitted, I said to her all at once: "By the way, what did Count Kiusko come here for so early in the day?" I thought I noticed her face redden, but this was only a transient impression. "The count?" she answered, in a most profoundly surprised tone. "I did not see him! Has he been here?" "Why, Fanny showed him in here," I replied, "and you have spoken to him." "Ah, yes! _this morning_," she exclaimed sharply, and with emphasis on these words. "Goodness me, what a poor head I have! I thought you said _yesterday evening_. I understand French so badly, you know. Yes, yes, he has been here. The poor young man is off his head. This is the second time he has been here to beg me for Kondje-Gul's hand. He is quite crazy! crazy!" "Oh, then he has been before! But why did not you inform me?" "It is true: I had forgotten to do so!" she replied.