But he paused suddenly, or rather raised his voice to resume his account of the new drama.  Two young ladies had stopped just before them.  As soon as they were gone, he went on,—­

“I bring you, madam, Daniel’s letter.”

“Ah!”

“I have folded it up very small, and I have it here in my hand; if you will let your handkerchief fall, I’ll slip it into it as I pick it up.”

The trick was not new; but it was also not very difficult.  Still Henrietta did it awkwardly enough.  Her letting the handkerchief fall looked any thing but natural; and, when she took it back again, she was all eagerness.  Then, when she felt the crisp paper under the folds of the linen, she became all crimson in her face.  Fortunately, M. de Brevan had the presence of mind to rise suddenly, and to move his chair so as to help her in concealing her embarrassment.  Then, when he saw her calm again, he sat down once more, and went on, with an accent of deep interest,—­

“Now, madam, permit me to inquire after your position here.”

“It is terrible.”

“Do they harass you?”

“Oh, fearfully!”

“No doubt, your step-mother?”

“Alas! who else would do it?  But she dissembles, veiling her malignity under the most affected gentleness.  In appearance she is all kindness to me.  And my poor father becomes a willing instrument in her hands,—­my poor father, formerly so kind, and so fond of me!”

She was deeply moved; and M. de Brevan saw the tears starting in her eyes.  Quite frightened, he said,—­

“Madam, for Heaven’s sake control yourself!”

And, anxious to turn Henrietta’s thoughts from her father, he asked,—­

“How is Mrs. Brian to you?”

“She always takes sides against me.”

“Naturally.  And Sir Thorn?”

“You wrote me that I should mistrust him particularly, and so I do; but, I must confess, he alone seems to be touched by my misfortunes.”

“Ah! that is the very reason why you ought to fear him.”

“How so?”

M. de Brevan hesitated, and then answered, speaking very rapidly, and after having looked around cautiously,—­

“Because M. Elgin might very well cherish a hope of replacing Daniel in your heart, and of becoming your husband.”

“Great God!” exclaimed Henrietta, sinking back in her chair with an expression of horror.  “Is it possible?”

“I am quite sure of it,” replied M. Brevan.

And, as if he had been frightened himself by what he had said, he added,—­

“Yes, I am quite sure.  I have read the heart of that man; and before long you will have some terrible evidence of his intentions.  But I pray, madam, let this remain a secret between us, to be kept religiously.  Never allow yourself the slightest allusion.”

“What can I do?” murmured the poor girl, “what can I do?  You alone, sir, can advise me.”