Chapter

  1       VI|            church with Mademoiselle Blanche de Courtornieu upon his
  2      VII|  accompanied by his daughter, Mlle. Blanche.~ ~Martial could do no less
  3      VII|           girls, so utterly unlike. Blanche de Courtornieu—Marie-Anne
  4     XIII|             to examine Mademoiselle Blanche de Courtornieu.”~ ~Martial
  5     XIII|             by the radiant image of Blanche.~ ~“Before discussing the
  6     XIII|          that he was right.~ ~Mlle. Blanche de Courtornieu was seated
  7     XIII|     advanced a few steps, and Mlle. Blanche, on seeing him, sprang up
  8     XIII|            himself again; but Mlle. Blanche had perceived his momentary
  9     XIII|        frankness disconcerted Mlle. Blanche a trifle; and it was with
 10     XIII|            lady seated beside Mlle. Blanche.~ ~“Yes, very,” she replied.~ ~
 11     XIII|          for her bread; since Mlle. Blanche compelled her to play the
 12     XIII|        letter and read:~ ~“‘My dear blanche—You know that the Duc de
 13     XIII|            have supposed that Mlle. Blanche was experiencing the keenest
 14     XIII|              One must live, my dear Blanche!” added Marie-Anne, “and
 15     XIII|      Courtornieu’s cabinet.~ ~Mlle. Blanche paused.~ ~“I am trespassing
 16     XIII|       announced a visitor for Mlle. Blanche; because she was expecting
 17     XIII|            misfortune; it was Mlle. Blanche who wept.~ ~But, while writing
 18     XIII|           through his son.”~ ~Mlle. Blanche started as if a viper had
 19     XIII|         Marie-Anne went away, Mlle. Blanche embraced her with every
 20      XIV|        faithfully reported to Mlle. Blanche all that he heard in the
 21      XIV|        condemned.~ ~Forced by Mlle. Blanche’s will into the midst of
 22      XIV|          summons to dinner.~ ~Mlle. Blanche, when the young marquis
 23      XIV|           entered the mind of Mlle. Blanche.~ ~She had been told so
 24      XIV|            that during dinner Mlle. Blanche exercised all her powers
 25      XIV|             of conventionality. But Blanche de Courtornieu could do
 26      XIV|        occupied a seat beside Mlle. Blanche at table; and they chatted
 27      XIV|          turned so white that Mlle. Blanche remarked his pallor and
 28      XIV|             reseated himself; Mlle. Blanche leaned toward him.~ ~“You
 29      XVI|          figures in the wood. Mlle. Blanche de Courtornieu, followed
 30     XVII|             he said:~ ~“I who adore Blanche.”~ ~The truth was, that
 31     XVII|            at rebellion. When Mlle. Blanche turned her cold and steel-like
 32     XVII|        fortunate as to please Mlle. Blanche.~ ~Her father presented
 33     XVII|     demonstrated. One morning Mlle. Blanche made her appearance in his
 34     XVII|              for several days Mlle. Blanche had been applying herself
 35     XVII|             When he appeared, Mlle. Blanche blushed and was silent.
 36     XVII|          Medea was alarmed.~ ~Mlle. Blanche had prepared an excuse,
 37     XVII|         time to seat himself, Mlle. Blanche entreated him to tell her
 38     XVII|            me alone!” replied Mlle. Blanche, angrily; “hold your tongue!”~ ~
 39     XVII|         that wretched hovel!” Mlle. Blanche said to herself. “How horrible!
 40     XVII|      impoverished relative.~ ~Mlle. Blanche replied that she had not
 41     XVII|          creature!” exclaimed Mlle. Blanche. “Come, aunt, at once!”~ ~
 42     XVII|     separated the place where Mlle. Blanche had stationed herself, from
 43     XVII|          the road,” continued Mlle. Blanche, “but she led me astray;
 44     XVII|           her unkindly.~ ~But Mlle. Blanche was not listening. A few
 45     XVII|            creature!” thought Mlle. Blanche.~ ~Then, in cold and sneering
 46     XVII|         less experienced than Mlle. Blanche, she comprehended that this
 47     XVII|             be worthy of her, Mlle. Blanche armed herself with a weapon
 48      XIX|         consent to an alliance with Blanche de Courtornieu.~ ~A victim
 49      XIX|             will marry Mademoiselle Blanche.”~ ~The duke did not allow
 50      XIX|             of the same district.~ ~Blanche had triumphed. After this
 51       XX|           The devil! I am expecting Blanche this evening. She was to
 52     XXII|       Chateau de Courtornieu, Mlle. Blanche, after finishing her dinner,
 53     XXII|          Sunday; on that day either Blanche went to Montaignac, or the
 54     XXII|         himself at Courtornieu; and Blanche was half crazed with grief
 55     XXII|          the first three days Mlle. Blanche succeeded in preserving
 56     XXII|             decided upon this plan, Blanche became calmer on leaving
 57     XXII|         village of Sairmeuse, Mlle. Blanche noticed an unwonted animation.~ ~
 58     XXII|        meaning of this,” said Mlle. Blanche.~ ~And lowering one of the
 59     XXII|       within the vehicle only Mlle. Blanche and Aunt Medea, who uttered
 60     XXII|            of our friends.”~ ~Mlle. Blanche had not recognized her former
 61     XXII|            you should say,” replied Blanche, with a sneer.~ ~Chanlouineau
 62     XXII|           Marie-Anne failed to hear Blanche cry:~ ~“Beware, Marie! I
 63      XXV|           of his obstinacy.~ ~Mlle. Blanche had been at Montaignac that
 64    XXVII|             silence, he read:~ ~“I, Blanche de Courtornieu, do declare
 65     XXIX|            your troth. Mademoiselle Blanche de Courtornieu is your promised
 66      XXX|      another? And how furious Mlle. Blanche would be!~ ~He concluded
 67   XXXIII|           been the theatre.~ ~Mlle. Blanche de Courtornieu smiled as
 68   XXXIII|          error on the part of Mlle. Blanche rose from the custom of
 69   XXXIII|        first by the charms of Mlle. Blanche, he soon discovered the
 70   XXXIII|            his word, and that Mlle. Blanche was his betrothed.~ ~Was
 71    XXXIV|        Sairmeuse was to marry Mlle. Blanche de Courtornieu did not surprise
 72    XXXIV|          the marquis were with Mme. Blanche in the little salon at the
 73    XXXIV|    understand.”~ ~The duke and Mme. Blanche both sprang forward.~ ~“
 74   XXXVII|            Martial de Sairmeuse and Blanche de Courtornieu. We are homeless
 75  XXXVIII|       nuptials of Martial and Mlle. Blanche de Courtornieu.~ ~This,
 76  XXXVIII|            After brutally repulsing Blanche, his newly wedded wife,
 77  XXXVIII| self-control?~ ~Alas, yes. And when Blanche de Courtornieu, now and
 78    XXXIX|           mute, stupefied.~ ~It was Blanche who broke the spell.~ ~While
 79    XXXIX|         smile upon her lips, Madame Blanche spared neither flattering
 80    XXXIX|            and the caustic words of Blanche de Courtornieu.~ ~Soon all
 81    XXXIX|           as the others had done.~ ~Blanche was now alone. There was
 82    XXXIX|              With an angry gesture, Blanche interrupted him.~ ~“You
 83    XXXIX|           with a muttered oath, and Blanche approached her father, who
 84    XXXIX|           heard, father,” continued Blanche, “the rendezvous appointed
 85    XXXIX|          commander at Montaignac.~ ~Blanche herself gave the letter
 86    XXXIX|          ended by going to sleep.~ ~Blanche, when daylight came, exchanged
 87    XXXIX|                For a moment or more Blanche hesitated to open the one
 88    XXXIX|            Martial de Sairmeuse.”~ ~Blanche staggered beneath this terrible
 89       XL|             twenty-four hours which Blanche had spent in measuring the
 90       XL|         hospitality, and especially Blanche, his son’s wife?~ ~He must,
 91       XL|        attempted this in vain. Mme. Blanche had shut herself up in her
 92       XL|      shoulder of Aunt Medea.~ ~Mme. Blanche came rapidly forward to
 93      XLI|  Courtornieu was ill, and that Mme. Blanche did not leave his bedside.~ ~
 94     XLII|        display of violence had cost Blanche an almost superhuman effort.~ ~
 95     XLII|          death of a relative.~ ~But Blanche bravely resolved that she
 96     XLII|            been.”~ ~Who it was Mme. Blanche knew only too well.~ ~She
 97     XLII|           to cross the path of Mme. Blanche? How did it happen that
 98     XLII|    punishment for the traitor. Mme. Blanche overheard one of the gardeners
 99     XLII|        voice of hatred whispered in Blanche’s ear.~ ~“But how can I
100     XLII|            him?” she wondered. Mme. Blanche was too prudent to think
101     XLII|             lovely afternoon in May Blanche discovered what she sought.~ ~
102     XLII|             his hand.~ ~Seeing Mme. Blanche he tried to hide himself
103     XLII|           speak with him.”~ ~“What, Blanche, do you dare——”~ ~“I must!”~ ~“
104     XLII|        There, that is enough,” said Blanche, with one of those imperious
105     XLII|             to be, obeyed; and Mme. Blanche advanced toward the old
106     XLII|            as I.”~ ~It required all Blanche’s determination to repress
107     XLII|          was moving away, when Mme. Blanche said, coldly:~ ~“It was
108     XLII|         showed this so plainly that Blanche shuddered.~ ~“Really, what
109     XLII|            Someone is coming!” Mme. Blanche exclaimed. “Quick! we must
110     XLII|             with great animation.~ ~Blanche hastened toward them.~ ~“
111     XLII|             for her terrified aunt, Blanche darted in the direction
112     XLII|             The marquis paused, and Blanche summoned sufficient courage
113     XLII|   Courtornieu supposed he had seen, Blanche knew only too well; but
114     XLII|          pardoned Lacheneur.~ ~Mme. Blanche alone retained her presence
115     XLII|          such an evil deed.”~ ~Mme. Blanche could not give her reasons
116     XLII|            left the sick-room, Mme. Blanche followed him.~ ~“Well, Doctor,”
117     XLII|           really mattered little to Blanche whether her father recovered
118     XLII|             the care of Aunt Medea, Blanche made her escape.~ ~The old
119     XLII|         place.~ ~“Speak!” said Mme. Blanche.~ ~“I would do so willingly,
120     XLII|          and for more than a minute Blanche was silent. She was confused
121     XLII|     audacious familiarity that made Blanche shudder. “You mean that
122     XLII|       stuck-up minx, Marie-Anne?”~ ~Blanche felt that denial was useless.~ ~“
123     XLII|          settled then and there.”~ ~Blanche turned pale. It was Jean
124     XLII|           no news!” he said to Mme. Blanche at each interview.~ ~But
125     XLII|           yield even to evidence.~ ~Blanche had declared that Marie-Anne
126    XLIII|        which Chupin brought to Mme. Blanche.~ ~She listened to it, trembling
127    XLIII|            augment the rage of Mme. Blanche, he had good reason to be
128    XLIII|             wished to irritate Mme. Blanche still more by other malicious
129    XLIII|          doors are there?” inquired Blanche.~ ~“Three; one opening into
130    XLIII|          brother joins her.”~ ~Mme. Blanche fell into a revery so deep
131    XLIII|            what shall we decide?”~ ~Blanche shuddered like a wounded
132    XLIII|          afraid!”~ ~Chupin did Mme. Blanche great injustice. The movement
133    XLIII|          might say to the contrary, Blanche regarded this story of Marie-Anne’
134    XLIII|            over between them.~ ~But Blanche would not admit this.~ ~“
135    XLIII|          each time.~ ~And when Mme. Blanche demanded an account of everything
136    XLIII|          came into his head.~ ~Mme. Blanche soon discovered this. One
137      XLV|      CHAPTER XLV~ ~Detected by Mme. Blanche in a palpable falsehood,
138      XLV|           told you falsely.”~ ~Mme. Blanche shrugged her shoulders.~ ~“
139      XLV|            far from reassuring Mme. Blanche, made her still more suspicious,~ ~“
140      XLV|            unbeknown to me.”~ ~Mme. Blanche drew her purse from her
141      XLV|           hurry, aunt,” interrupted Blanche, “and I am waiting for you.”~ ~
142      XLV|        servants were at dinner, and Blanche and Aunt Medea reached the
143      XLV|          that to you? Come!”~ ~Mme. Blanche was going to the Borderie.~ ~
144      XLV|           hedges and ditches. Twice Blanche lost her way. Again and
145      XLV|         tramp of more than an hour, Blanche ventured to breathe. She
146      XLV|           you are leaving me alone? Blanche, I entreat you! What are
147      XLV|           frighten me. I am afraid, Blanche!”~ ~But her niece had gone.
148      XLV|            That is right,” murmured Blanche, bitterly; “Martial is such
149      XLV|           this mean?” murmured Mme. Blanche.~ ~She waited patiently
150      XLV|            road, and disappeared.~ ~Blanche pressed Aunt Medea’s arm
151      XLV|          table in the front room.~ ~Blanche seized it and boldly began
152      XLV|          receptacle for holy-water. Blanche dipped her finger in the
153      XLV|            for his idol,” said Mme. Blanche, with a sneer.~ ~She was
154      XLV|        cannot be for her,” murmured Blanche.~ ~Then she remembered the
155      XLV|         Then it is true!” exclaimed Blanche. “And I thought just now
156      XLV|            heard the signal.~ ~Mme. Blanche was wondering how she could
157      XLV|          was inscribed.~ ~“Poison!” Blanche could not turn her eyes
158      XLV|           entrance into the cottage Blanche had scarcely been conscious
159      XLV|         awaken distrust.~ ~Now Mme. Blanche breathed freely. If she
160      XLV|           on the table downstairs.” Blanche shuddered. She had not thought
161      XLV|         significance in the ears of Blanche.~ ~Ah! had she heard Monsieur
162      XLV|               Our gentleman!” “he!” Blanche translated Martial.~ ~Yes,
163      XLV|           be alone at the Borderie. Blanche reflected that this would
164      XLV|           Marquise de Sairmeuse nee Blanche de Courtornieu, of being
165      XLV|             she does not drink it!” Blanche thought.~ ~Marie-Anne had,
166      XLV|               From her hiding-place Blanche had heard Marie-Anne’s exclamation;
167      XLV|             no longer depended upon Blanche de Courtornieu’s will. Come
168      XLV|       should come in here!” thought Blanche.~ ~The fear of punishment
169      XLV|            light and go downstairs. Blanche was left alone. The thought
170      XLV|         poison! it begins!” thought Blanche.~ ~Marie-Anne stood on the
171     XLVI|     Kneeling by the half-open door, Blanche eagerly watched the workings
172     XLVI|           pity in the heart of Mme. Blanche.~ ~“Go on! call your lover,
173     XLVI|             Suffer!” continued Mme. Blanche, “suffer, you who have inspired
174     XLVI|               It is over,” murmured Blanche.~ ~She rose, but her limbs
175     XLVI|          and so frightful that Mme. Blanche recoiled.~ ~“The Marquise
176     XLVI|          faltered Marie-Anne. “You, Blanche— here!”~ ~And her suffering,
177     XLVI|             You are my murderer!”~ ~Blanche de Courtornieu’s was one
178     XLVI|         back in the armchair.~ ~But Blanche was pitiless.~ ~“You have
179     XLVI|           you?”~ ~“Chanlouineau.”~ ~Blanche shrugged her shoulders.~ ~“
180     XLVI|            name Baron d’Escorval to Blanche, would it not ruin and betray
181     XLVI|        proof—read.”~ ~No sooner had Blanche glanced at the paper, than
182     XLVI|             distant.~ ~The voice of Blanche was lost in the deep stillness
183     XLVI|           that cry of distress. Had Blanche and her victim been less
184     XLVI|             ebbing away.~ ~So, when Blanche seemed about to rush out
185     XLVI|        gesture, and gently said:~ ~“Blanche.”~ ~The murderess paused.~ ~“
186     XLVI|           of the situation restored Blanche’s calmness.~ ~“All is not
187     XLVI|    contracted by mortal anguish.~ ~“Blanche!” she said, with an energy
188     XLVI|            supposed her incapable. “Blanche, listen to me. It is the
189     XLVI|            will become of my child? Blanche, you, who have killed me,
190     XLVI|            a mother to my child!”~ ~Blanche was utterly overcome.~ ~“
191     XLVI|            Do not forget your oath! Blanche, God sometimes permits the
192     XLVI|            I will remember,” sobbed Blanche; “I will remember. But the
193     XLVI|          suffering is too horrible. Blanche, remember——”~ ~She spoke
194     XLVI|            indistinct, inaudible.~ ~Blanche frantically seized the dying
195     XLVI|              Chupin!” faltered Mme. Blanche.~ ~“In the flesh,” he responded. “
196     XLVI|             across the body, lifted Blanche as if she had been a child
197     XLVI|       disquieted him, now that Mme. Blanche was bound to him by the
198     XLVI|           by an army of servants.~ ~Blanche, who had experienced a feeling
199     XLVI|         lead the way.”~ ~And taking Blanche by the arm, he hastened
200     XLVI|     released his hold on the arm of Blanche and assumed an attitude
201     XLVI|             been poisoned by Madame Blanche. It was to tell you this
202   XLVIII|         XLVIII~ ~The reason of Mme. Blanche had sustained a frightful
203   XLVIII|            the precautions taken by Blanche, who had given orders, before
204   XLVIII|           in gaining the chamber of Blanche without being observed.~ ~
205   XLVIII|             there?” she inquired.~ ~Blanche shuddered.~ ~“Why do you
206   XLVIII|          niece bestowed upon her.~ ~Blanche longed for power to annihilate
207   XLVIII|              insisted Aunt Medea.~ ~Blanche was trying to decide whether
208   XLVIII|          she is so stupid!” thought Blanche.~ ~She felt that it would
209   XLVIII|             wept for some trifle.~ ~Blanche breathed more freely. Surely
210   XLVIII|         retire to her own room, but Blanche entreated her to remain.
211   XLVIII|            any ordinary observer.~ ~Blanche was seated upon her bed,
212   XLVIII|     bustling about the chateau, and Blanche, oblivious to all around
213   XLVIII|               What is it?” inquired Blanche, eagerly. “Who has come?”~ ~“
214   XLVIII|       chateau and asked to see Mme. Blanche, the marquis was again reminded
215   XLVIII|         room well. It was here that Blanche had been wont to receive
216   XLVIII|     together here! He seemed to see Blanche again, as she was then,
217   XLVIII|      account?~ ~At this very moment Blanche entered the room. She looked
218   XLVIII|             you must have suffered, Blanche,” he murmured, scarcely
219   XLVIII|         Since you do not forbid it, Blanche, I will return—to-morrow—
220   XLVIII|          Martial was paying to Mme. Blanche.~ ~It was soon rumored that
221     XLIX|         eldest son—the one who knew Blanche de Courtornieu’s secret—
222        L|           Aunt Medea even more than Blanche.~ ~In ten seconds, more
223        L|         little blue salon, in which Blanche and Martial were seated.~ ~
224        L|          such an enormity.~ ~“Well, Blanche, we were frightened at nothing,”
225        L|          nothing,” she exclaimed.~ ~Blanche did not reply.~ ~She was
226        L|           is almost here,” murmured Blanche, as if communing with herself.~ ~“
227        L|             had been the opinion of Blanche; but she now shook her head,
228        L|             apparent that it caused Blanche great anxiety.~ ~“You will
229        L|           been the response of Mme. Blanche.~ ~To be treated in this
230        L|    obedience to a formal order from Blanche, the cook came up to receive
231        L|         wine-cellar.~ ~Through him, Blanche and her aunt learned that
232        L|             which might have ruined Blanche, saved her; and the death
233        L|           smile to the lips of Mme. Blanche.~ ~She then regarded it
234        L|             until daybreak did Mme. Blanche fall asleep.~ ~And it was
235        L|                It is true that Mme. Blanche attributed her tortures
236        L|        really feel remorse.”~ ~Mme. Blanche might have vouched for the
237        L|             powerful passion.~ ~And Blanche, in terror, asked herself
238        L|         task; and one morning, Mme. Blanche, with a radiant face, announced
239       LI|       thousand fears and anxieties, Blanche had failed to notice that
240       LI|             her orders.~ ~Once Mme. Blanche, on going out, asked Aunt
241       LI|          following Sunday, although Blanche did not wish to attend vespers,
242       LI|            should go mad myself.”~ ~Blanche shrugged her shoulders.~ ~“
243       LI|             would you do there?”~ ~“Blanche, I entreat you, I beseech
244       LI|   impatience dyed the cheek of Mme. Blanche.~ ~“You weary me beyond
245       LI|            must have food. And you, Blanche, how often, to make me subservient
246       LI|            now my turn has come!”~ ~Blanche was so amazed that she could
247       LI|                By a terrible effort Blanche had succeeded in regaining
248       LI|        happened at the Borderie.”~ ~Blanche shuddered. No threat was
249       LI|            an excuse:~ ~“Nonsense!” Blanche exclaimed; “let us forget
250       LI|  reconciliation as the clearsighted Blanche.~ ~“It will be best for
251       LI|            through the mind of Mme. Blanche.~ ~She felt as a convict
252       LI|                But, in either case, Blanche would require money—a large
253       LI|             he had lost his reason, Blanche, who knew where the hoard
254       LI|          haughty disdain which Mme. Blanche displayed in her treatment
255       LI|            cotton, shall we not?”~ ~Blanche trembled, and flushed a
256       LI|          night.~ ~“Do so now,” said Blanche, graciously; “I do not feel
257       LI|          one of pure form; but Mme. Blanche would have been hard to
258       LI|          house, at least,” approved Blanche, divining her husband’s
259       LI|            until dinner.~ ~Although Blanche was compelled to pass most
260      LII|         reclining upon a sofa, Mme. Blanche was listening to a new book
261      LII|           fainting, in her chair.~ ~Blanche sprang up with a face as
262      LII|            Chupin’s sons,” faltered Blanche, at last.~ ~“Undoubtedly;
263      LII|            he so long in coming?”~ ~Blanche was not deceived. It was
264      LII|                After a moment, Mme. Blanche decided to break the silence.~ ~“
265      LII|           Enough!” interrupted Mme. Blanche. Then in a manner not in
266      LII|          dues.”~ ~The heart of Mme. Blanche sank, and yet she had courage
267      LII|             in affright, crying:~ ~“Blanche! your husband—Martial! He
268      LII|       coming!”~ ~The game was lost. Blanche saw her husband entering,
269      LII|      emotion.~ ~“My father is dead, Blanche,” he replied.~ ~“The Duc
270      LII|             escaped Aunt Medea, and Blanche turned pale.~ ~“Murdered!”
271      LII|              she whispered.~ ~“Yes, Blanche; and I could name the murderer.
272      LII|            expiate their crimes.”~ ~Blanche shuddered. Each word found
273      LII|         revenge. Remember my words, Blanche, if ruin ever threatens
274      LII|        Paris a few hours later, and Blanche was left a prey to the most
275      LII|             several inquiries, Mme. Blanche discovered that he lived
276      LII|    furnished drawing-room, and Mme. Blanche at once began telling him
277      LII|         thousand francs, which Mme. Blanche imprudently promised him
278      LII|       whatever of his designs. Mme. Blanche, who had heard his powers
279      LII|               The condition of Mme. Blanche was now truly pitiable.
280      LII|            great assistance to her. Blanche purchased a dress for her,
281      LII|          Nor did Chelteux give Mme. Blanche much more annoyance. Every
282      LII|         francs; and once, when Mme. Blanche remarked that he must abandon
283      LII|          his appearance before Mme. Blanche.~ ~“Give me the sum that
284      LII|        servants to go and tell Mme. Blanche that he was there, and that
285      LII|             at the time.~ ~And Mme. Blanche was forced to undergo the
286      LII|           wished to marry her. Mme. Blanche paid for the wedding-feast.~ ~
287      LII|               On two occasions Mme. Blanche accompanied her husband
288     LIII|          only just to say that Mme. Blanche had remained superior to
289     LIII|             To Aunt Medea alone did Blanche reveal her secret heart.~ ~“
290     LIII|          had become of him? To Mme. Blanche this silence was as ominous
291     LIII|            I will tell him.”~ ~Mme. Blanche was dumb with horror. It
292     LIII|             hundred francs——~ ~Mme. Blanche gave her five hundred francs.~ ~“
293     LIII|        dying woman, but implacable, Blanche watched over her, aided
294     LIII|               You have had no pity, Blanche. You have deprived me of
295     LIII|       striking two.~ ~The time when Blanche would have given almost
296     LIII|           But the dejection of Mme. Blanche was due in great measure
297     LIII|             troubles at Montaignac, Blanche knew only four who were
298     LIII|            she read this news, Mme. Blanche felt as a culprit would
299     LIII|      bewildered him. How could Mme. Blanche have known that Marie-Anne
300     LIII|      between the researches of Mme. Blanche and her generosity to Chupin.~ ~“
301      LIV|             return, astonished Mme. Blanche. She almost believed she
302      LIV|             he slowly followed Mme. Blanche, who was going up the Rue
303      LIV|      success of his plans that Mme. Blanche should be watched by her
304      LIV|         entered the chamber of Mme. Blanche.~ ~The room was in disorder,
305      LIV|             the articles which Mme. Blanche used daily—her watch, her
306      LIV|           and from that moment Mme. Blanche did not take a single step
307      LIV|              failed to work.~ ~Mme. Blanche, on receiving the Widow
308      LIV|        clock was sounding when Mme. Blanche and Camille left the house,
309      LIV|       gesticulating earnestly. Mme. Blanche and Camille were listening
310      LIV|      plotting “a rich haul.”~ ~Mme. Blanche, who had dressed herself
311      LIV|             almost killing her—Mme. Blanche had forgotten to remove
312      LIV|          torn from the ears of Mme. Blanche had it not been for Camille,
313      LIV|           escaping the lips of Mme. Blanche and Camille in the same
314      LIV|            a panting voice:~ ~“Fly! Blanche, fly! Otto is not far off.
315       LV|            it was only because Mme. Blanche had not purchased the diamond
316       LV|           it open. Too late!~ ~Mme. Blanche was dead—poisoned, like
317       LV|             after the death of Mme. Blanche.~ ~Reclining upon a divan