"You have a young person employed here who found a jewel that I lost," she remarked. "I don't see her in the shop." "Yes, madame. No, madame--she is in the workroom. How fortunate that madame's sapphire was restored to her!" "Ah, the workroom. Have you had her long? Is she satisfactory?" "Ah yes, madame. About two years. I have no fault to find with her." "I fancied she was a little odd in her manner. You have not noticed anything of the kind?" "Mais non, madame. No doubt she was shy in madame's presence. No, she is quick to take a hint, that girl; she has all her wits about her." "You might tell her I should like to have a word with her," faltered madame de Val Fleury. And when the girl appeared, still more beautiful without a hat, she said, "Come to my flat again this evening about nine o'clock if you can. I will make it worth your while. I want to talk to you." As she passed out she felt breathless and dizzy. "Then, if she is not mad--" panted madame de Val Fleury, "then, if she is not mad----My God, can there be something in it?" She had been going to a neighbour's for a game of écarté after dinner, and écarté was a passion with her, but she knew no regrets in cancelling the engagement. A book by her favourite novelist, just published, lay to hand, and reading was another of her pet pleasures, but she did not open it, as she sat waiting for the hour to strike. Punctually at nine o'clock the bell rang. The girl was shown in. "Good evening," said madame de Val Fleury. "Sit down. No, no, not so far off. Come closer. Tell me. I have been wondering.... What you were speaking about the other afternoon. Is it really a fact?" "Madame means my intention?" "I mean the place itself. It actually exists?" "Ah, certainly it exists, madame!" "Where is it?" "In Brittany, madame. Near Pont Chouay." "But--it sounds incredible! I am sure you are sincere, but--how long have you known of it?" "I have known of it ever since the first miracle that happened there, madame, four years ago. I lived in the village then. The face of a little girl, the miller's child, was burnt--ah, it was frightful to see!--and her mother knelt and prayed, the whole night through, that she herself might bear the scars instead. And at dawn it _was_ so, and the child's face was as fair as ever." "It takes one's breath away! What is the village called?" "St. Pierre des Champs, madame. If madame goes there and inquires, everyone will confirm what I tell her." "And such miracles have happened again?" "At dawn on each seventh of September, madame. I assure madame I speak the truth." "Listen," said madame de Val Fleury. "I shall go and hear what they say. If I am satisfied, are you willing to--to exchange your face for mine? I will not haggle with you, I will pay what you want. It is a large amount, but you shall have it--a hundred thousand francs." "One would have to think over the price, madame," said the girl hesitatingly. "What? It is the figure you named."