“There is nothing to hope from her, then, no pity, no remorse?” “Nothing. I have given her up. She has had her revenge. She had forewarned me.” The marchioness sighed. “I thought so,” she said. “Last Sunday, when I knew as yet of nothing, I happened to be close to her at church, and unconsciously admired her profound devotion, the purity of her eye, and the nobility of her manner. Yesterday, when I heard the truth, I shuddered. I felt how formidable a woman must be who can affect such calmness at a time when her lover lies in prison accused of the crime which she has committed.” “Nothing in the world would trouble her, mother.” “Still she ought to tremble; for she must know that you have told us every thing. How can we unmask her?” But time was passing; and Blangin came to tell the marchioness that she had to withdraw. She went, after having kissed her son once more. That same evening, according to their arrangement, she left for Paris, accompanied by M. Folgat and old Anthony. XVIII. At Sauveterre, everybody, M. de Chandore as much as Jacques himself, blamed the Marquis de Boiscoran. He persisted in remaining in Paris, it is true: but it was certainly not from indifference; for he was dying with anxiety. He had shut himself up, and refused to see even his oldest friends, even his beloved dealers in curiosities. He never went out; the dust accumulated on his collections; and nothing could arouse him from this state of prostration, except a letter from Sauveterre. Every morning he received three or four,--from the marchioness or M. Folgat, from M. Seneschal or M. Magloire, from M. de Chandore, Dionysia, or even from Dr. Seignebos. Thus he could follow at a distance all the phases, and even the smallest changes, in the proceedings. Only one thing he would not do: he would not come down, however important his coming might be for his son. He did not move. Once only he had received, through Dionysia’s agency, a letter from Jacques himself; and then he ordered his servant to get ready his trunks for the same evening. But at the last moment he had given counter-orders, saying that he had reconsidered, and would not go. “There is something extraordinary going on in the mind of the marquis,” said the servants to each other.