“These women would thrust me aside,” she reasoned, with vindictive hate. “They have already taken my place in the clubs, and now crowd me away from Mirabeau’s table. If they can ape queens with safety, so can I. But let them take care, I have one almost in my grasp. She thinks to play double, and win on both sides. We shall see! We shall see!” These thoughts swept through her mind as the dwarf stood by, longing to go, but afraid to move. She had noticed the incipient sneer on his face, and it wounded her self-love. “This is not a palace,” she said, sharply. “I know that; but who can tell what may happen. I am far more likely to—but no matter. There is no knowing what ship comes in first when the ocean rages. Remember this, either Count Mirabeau, or your mistress must not meet or communicate, without all the particulars coming to me at once. Your life depends on that. Now go, I think you understand me.” “Yes, I comprehend,” answered the dwarf, crushing his cap nervously with both hands as he edged toward the door. “And you will not forget, I make sure of that,” said Louison, waving her hand as a signal that he might go. Zamara took the hint and glided through the door. CHAPTER LXXXIV. LOUISON AND MARGUERITE. Dame Doudel held a letter in her hand. “It is from my sister Tillery,” she said. “Just as usual, she wants you. As if there was no person in the world but herself.” “I should like to go. Dame Tillery is always kind, always glad when I come,” said Marguerite, flushing with pleasure. All at once a thought chilled this sweet enthusiasm. If she went to Versailles then, perhaps _he_ might come in her absence, and never take the trouble of calling again. Dame Doudel saw the change in Marguerite’s countenance without comprehending it. “Do not be troubled, little one,” she said. “You shall go, if it disappoints you so much. My sister has no children of her own, and I would not stand in the way of any good fortune that might come to you for all the world. So brighten up! brighten up! and get your work done. She will not be here to-day or to-morrow—you have plenty of time.” Still Marguerite’s pretty face was clouded, and her bosom swelled with a sigh, soft and quick as the bland air that shook the snow-white curtains at her window. Two days! Perhaps she might see him in that time. Surely, if he cared about coming again, there would be time enough. “Now fill your basket, Marguerite, and come with me to the market. If you are to have holidays with my sister, we must work hard now.” Marguerite sighed. Her own share in the business had grown very dull since so many courtiers had been driven from the kingdom. There could be scarcely a market for flowers, when the people of the nation were starving for bread. Still she said nothing, but gathering up the garlands and bouquets that lay heaped on the table, prepared to go out.