Molly started, broad awake, and sat up looking in alarm at the maid. “I beg your pardon, Mrs. Laurens. I’m afraid I disturbed you talking to myself in such a loud voice. I was so angry I couldn’t help it, madame,” said Florine. “What has made you angry, Florine?” asked the sad, gentle voice. “Oh, madame, I oughtn’t to tell you on no account; but it’s a shame their goings-on, and you sick and not able to help yourself.” “Florine, I don’t understand you,” wistfully. “Maybe it’s best you don’t, madame, for if you did you wouldn’t stay with such a shameless man, planning a second marriage while you’re alive, and likely to be for many years, not but that _her_ will’s good to poison you if she had a fair chance.” Molly sat upright with frightened eyes. “Yes, Florine, I know Miss Barry hates me,” she shuddered. “But--but--you _are_ my friend, aren’t you? Don’t, oh, don’t let her kill me, please!” “Not if I can help it, madame, never!” cried the maid. “But what can I do? When she bribes me to poison you and I refuse she’s going to manage it some other way, certainly. You’re in _her_ way and _his_--don’t you know that, my poor young lady?--and,” dropping her voice to a warning whisper, “your life is more and more in danger every hour you stay in this house.” She watched the beautiful face closely. It could scarcely grow more pale, but it was wild and startled. “Florine, don’t let her kill me. I--I--will win my husband’s love back some day,” she moaned, holding out her trembling little hands. Florine tossed her head. “Never, never!” she exclaimed. “Hush, Florine!” sternly. “Very well, madame,” resignedly. She sat quiet a few moments until Molly’s jealous love conquered her pride. “Florine Dabol, why do you say such things to me? Do you believe that Louise has won my husband’s love from me?” she demanded. “It is plain to be seen, madame. Such goings-on!” Florine tossed her head and shrugged her shoulders in a way that expressed volumes. Molly gazed at her with eyes full of pain, and Florine said to herself that she was making good progress indeed. “Madame, you are too good, you are indeed. I would not live with a man that hated me openly, and spent all his time with another woman. It is cruel, it is shameful!” warmly. Not a word came from Molly’s blanched, writhing lips, but she watched Florine’s face with burning eyes. The maid continued: “Madame, where are all your friends and relations? Why do you not write to them to come to your aid, and make your husband treat you with common respect. If he will not do that let them take you away from him, for this life of loneliness and neglect is killing you by inches.” “That is true,” Molly gasped with white lips. “I would bear it no longer, madame. I would go away out of his life forever since they both wish for it and pray for it.”