'
'And where are--I thought these people would be here,' she
muttered. And she glanced askance at the two vacant places. The
servant had brought in the meal.
'They will be here presently,' I said coolly. Let us make the
most of the time. A little wine and food will do Madame good.'
She smiled rather sadly.
'I think that we have changed places,' she said. 'And that you
have turned host and we guests.'
'Let it be so,' I said cheerfully. 'I recommend some of this
ragout. Come, Mademoiselle, fasting can aid no one. A full meal
has saved many a man's life.'
It was clumsily said, perhaps; for she shuddered and looked at me
with a ghastly smile. But she persuaded her sister to take
something; and she took something on her own plate and raised her
fork to her lips. But in a moment she laid it down again.
'I cannot,' she murmured. 'I cannot swallow. Oh, my God, at
this moment they may be taking him.'
I thought that she was about to burst into a passion of tears,
and I repented that I had induced her to descend. But her self-
control was not yet exhausted.
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