And he took a step toward the door. The mistress seized the revolver, and threw herself before him. "You shall not go out!" she cried. "Are you mad?" he exclaimed, gnashing his teeth. "You shall not go out!" repeated the mistress, with flashing eyes. "We shall see!" And with a strong arm he seized Madame Desvarennes, and threw her aside. The mistress became livid. Serge had his hand on the handle of the door. He was about to escape. Madame Desvarennes's arm was stretched forth. A shot made the windows rattle; the weapon fell from her hand, having done its work and, amid the smoke, a body dropped heavily on the carpet, which was soon dyed with blood. At the same moment, the door opened, and Micheline entered, holding in her hand the fatal receipt which she had just wrung from Cayrol. The young wife uttered a heartrending cry, and fell senseless on Serge's body. Behind Micheline came the officer and Marechal. The secretary exchanged looks with the mistress, who was lifting her fainting daughter and clasping her in her arms. He understood all. Turning toward his companion, he said: "Alas! sir, here is a sad matter! The Prince, on hearing that you had come, took fright, although his fault was not very serious, and has shot himself." The officer bowed respectfully to the mistress, who was bending over Micheline. "Please to withdraw, Madame. You have already suffered too much," said he. "I understand your legitimate grief. If I need any information, this gentleman will give it to me." Madame Desvarennes arose, and, without bending under the burden, she bore away on her bosom her daughter, regained. ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: Cowardly in trouble as he had been insolent in prosperity Heed that you lose not in dignity what you gain in revenge She would have liked the world to be in mourning The guilty will not feel your blows, but the innocent