It was the woman whom he had seen at Daubrecq's a few days earlier, the woman who had raised her dagger against Daubrecq and who had intended to stab him with all the strength of her hatred.
It was her turn to be taken aback:
"What! Have you seen me before?…"
"Yes, the other night, at his house…I saw what you tried to do…"
She made a movement to escape. He held her back and, speaking with great eagerness:
"I must know who you are," he said. "That was why I had Daubrecq telephoned for."
She looked aghast:
"Do you mean to say it was not the Marquis d'Albufex?"
"No, it was one of my assistants."
"Then Daubrecq will come back?…"
"Yes, but we have time…Listen to me…We must meet again…He is your enemy…I will save you from him…"
"Why should you? What is your object?"
"Do not distrust
