"Is it
possible?" she murmured.
"So possible that I have a letter for you from M. Ferailleur in my
pocket mademoiselle. Here it is--I am to wait for an answer."
She took the note he handed her, broke the seal with trembling
hand, and read as follows:
"We are approaching the end, my dearest. One step more and we
shall triumph. But I must see you to-day at any risk. Leave the
house this evening at eight o'clock. My mother will be waiting
for you in a cab, at the corner of the Rue Pigalle and the Rue
Boursault. Come, and let no fear of arousing suspicions of the
Fondeges deter you. They are henceforth powerless to injure you.
PASCAL
"I will go!" replied Marguerite at once, careless of the obstacles
that might impede the fulfilment of her promise. For it was quite
possible that serious difficulties might arise. Madame Leon, who
had been invisible since the morning, might suddenly reappear, or
the General and his wife might return to dinner. And what could
Marguerite answer if they asked her where she wanted to go alone,
and at such an hour of the evening? And if they attempted to
prevent her from keeping her appointment, how could she resist?
All these were weighty questions and yet she did not hesitate.
Pascal had spoken, that sufficed, and she was determined to obey
him implicitly, cost what it might.
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