It was half-past seven when she finished this frugal meal.
She waited a moment, and then fearing she might keep Madame
Ferailleur waiting, she went down into the street.
A cab was waiting at the corner of the Rue Boursault, as
indicated. Its windows were lowered, and in the shade one could
discern the face and white hair of an elderly lady. Glancing
behind her to assure herself that she had not been followed,
Marguerite eagerly approached the vehicle, whereupon a kindly
voice exclaimed: "Jump in quickly, mademoiselle "
Marguerite obeyed, and the door was scarcely closed behind her
before the driver had urged his horse into a gallop. He had
evidently received his instructions in advance, as well as the
promise of a magnificent gratuity.
Sitting side by side on the back seat, the old lady and the young
girl remained silent, but this did not prevent them from casting
stealthy glances at each other, and striving to distinguish one
another's features whenever the vehicle passed in front of some
brilliantly lighted shop. They had never met before, and their
anxiety to become acquainted was intense, for they each felt that
the other would exert a decisive influence upon her life. All of
Madame Ferailleur's friends would undoubtedly have been surprised
at the step she had taken, and yet it was quite in accordance with
her character.
Pages:
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457