Resolved to ascertain, she moistened the tip of her finger, and collected upon it a few atoms of the powder which she placed upon her tongue.
The taste was like that of an extremely acid apple.
Without hesitation, without remorse, without even turning pale, she poured into the bowl the entire contents of the vial.
Her self-possession was so perfect, she even recollected that the powder might be slow in dissolving, and she stirred it gently for a moment or more.
Having done this--she seemed to think of everything--she tasted the bouillon. She noticed a slightly bitter taste, but it was not sufficiently perceptible to awaken distrust.
Now Mme. Blanche breathed freely. If she could succeed in making her escape she was avenged.
She was going toward the door when a sound on the stairs startled her.
Two persons were ascending the staircase.
Where should she go? where could she conceal herself?
She was now so sure she would be detected that she almost decided to throw the bowl into the fire, and then boldly face the intruders.
But no--a chance remained--she darted into the dressing-room. She dared not close the door; the least click of the latch would have betrayed her.
Marie-Anne entered the chamber, followed by a peasant, bearing a large bundle.
"Ah! here is my candle!" she exclaimed, as she crossed the threshold.
"Joy must be making me lose my wits! I could have sworn that I left it on the table downstairs." Blanche shuddered. She had not thought of this circ.u.mstance.
"Where shall I put this clothing?" asked the young peasant.
"Lay it down here. I will arrange the articles by and by," replied Marie Anne.
The boy dropped his heavy burden with a sigh of relief.
"This is the last," he exclaimed. "Now, our gentleman can come."
"At what hour will he start?" inquired Marie-Anne.
"At eleven o"clock. It will be nearly midnight when he gets here."
Marie-Anne glanced at the magnificent clock on the mantel.
"I have still three hours before me," said she; "more time than I shall need. Supper is ready; I am going to set the table here, by the fire.
Tell him to bring a good appet.i.te."
"I will tell him, and many thanks, Mademoiselle, for having come to meet me and aid me with my second load. It was not so very heavy, but it was clumsy to handle."
"Will you not accept a gla.s.s of wine?"
"No, thank you. I must hasten back. _Au revoir_, Mademoiselle Lacheneur."
"_Au revoir_, Poignot."
This name Poignot had no significance in the ears of Blanche.
Ah! had she heard Monsieur d"Escorval"s or the abbe"s name mentioned, she might have felt some doubt of Marie-Anne"s guilt; her resolution might have wavered, and--who knows?
But no. Young Poignot, in referring to the baron had said: "our gentleman," Marie-Anne said: "he."
Is not "he" always the person who is uppermost in our minds, the husband whom one hates or the lover whom one adores?
"Our gentleman!" "he!" Blanche translated Martial.
Yes, it was the Marquis de Sairmeuse who was to arrive at midnight. She was sure of it. It was he who had been preceded by a messenger bearing clothing. This could only mean that he was about to establish himself at the Borderie. Perhaps he would cast aside all secrecy and live there openly, regardless of his rank, of his dignity, and of his duties; forgetful even of his prejudices.
These conjectures inflamed her fury still more.
Why should she hesitate or tremble after that?
Her only dread now, was lest she should be discovered.
Aunt Medea was, it is true, in the garden; but after the orders she had received the poor woman would remain motionless as stone behind the clump of lilacs, the entire night if necessary.
For two hours and a half Marie-Anne would be alone at the Borderie.
Blanche reflected that this would give her ample time to watch the effects of the poison upon her hated rival.
When the crime was discovered she would be far away. No one knew she had been absent from Courtornieu; no one had seen her leave the chateau; Aunt Medea would be as silent as the grave. And besides, who would dare to accuse her, Marquise de Sairmeuse _nee_ Blanche de Courtornieu, of being the murderer? "But she does not drink it!" Blanche thought.
Marie-Anne had, in fact, forgotten the bouillon entirely. She had opened the bundle of clothing, and was busily arranging the articles in a wardrobe near the bed.
Who talks of presentiments. She was as gay and vivacious as in her days of happiness; and as she worked, she hummed an air that Maurice had often sung.
She felt that her troubles were nearly over; her friends would soon be around her.
When her task of putting away the clothing was completed and the wardrobe closed, she drew a small table up before the fire.
Not until then did she notice the bowl standing upon the mantel.
"Stupid!" she said, with a laugh; and taking the bowl she raised it to her lips.
From her hiding-place Blanche had heard Marie-Anne"s exclamation; she saw the movement, and yet not the slightest remorse struck her soul.
Marie-Anne drank but one mouthful, then, in evident disgust, set the bowl down.
A horrible dread made the watcher"s heart stand still. "Does she notice a peculiar taste in the bouillon?" she thought.
No; but it had grown cold, and a slight coating of grease had formed over the top. Marie-Anne took the spoon, skimmed the bouillon, and then stirred it up for some time, to divide the greasy particles.
After she had done this she drank the liquid, put the bowl back upon the mantel, and resumed her work.