To-morrow morning you will find Doctor Fritz at
Knapwurst's, and bring him to me. Make no noise, and mind, you have seen
nothing and know nothing!'"
"Is that all, Sperver?" I asked.
He nodded gravely.
"And about the count?"
"He is in again. He is better."
We had got to the antechamber. Gideon knocked at the door gently, then he
opened it, announcing--"Doctor Fritz."
I took a pace forward, and stood in the presence of Odile. Sperver had
retired, closing the door.
A strange impression crossed my mind at the sight of the young countess
standing pale and still, leaning upon the back of an arm-chair, her eyes
of feverish brightness, and robed in a long dress of rich black velvet.
But she stood calm and firm.
"Doctor," she said, motioning me to a chair, "pray sit down; I have a
very serious matter to speak to you about."
I obeyed in silence.
In her turn she sat down and seemed to be collecting her thoughts.
"Providence or an evil destiny, I know not which, has made you witness of
a mystery in which lies involved the honour of my family."
So she knew it all!
I sat confounded and astonished.
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