Constans is still alive. To yourself you would justify this by the pretence that if you were once the Count's wife you could check instead of encourage his opium habit and so save him. Who then is it with the power to drive you into this reckless crime?"  
She was too astounded to reply at once, but sat staring at me open mouthed. Suddenly she changed, and her look grew fierce and tense.  
"Who are you, and what is your motive in forcing yourself upon me here?"  
"I depend on my wits to make a way for me in the world, Madame; and I take care to keep them in good condition. But I am not forcing myself upon you. I am ready to go at this moment--if you prefer that--and if you think it safer to have me against you."  
"_Mon Dieu_, I believe I am really afraid of you."  
"Of me, no. Of the knowledge I have, yes. And you will do well to give that fear due weight. You have been already induced to make one very foolish move. To receive stolen jewels is a crime, even when the thief is----"  
"How dare you say that!"  
"You forget. The day I came first to you you had occasion to go to the secret drawer in the old bureau in your boudoir, and I saw them there. You are a very poor player, Madame, in such a game as this."  
The colour left her cheeks, and hate as well as fear was in her eyes as she stared helplessly at me.  
"It is all your imagination," she said, weakly.  
I smiled.  
"It can remain that--if you wish. It is for you to decide."  
"What do you mean?"  
"You had better trust me. You can begin by telling me what and whose is this evil influence behind you?"  
A servant interrupted us at that moment.  
"His Excellency Count Gustav is asking for you, Madame."  
She gave a quick start, and flashed a look at me.  
"I will go to him," she answered.  
I had another intuition then. I smiled and rose.  
"So that is the answer to my question. You may wish to consult him, Madame. I will see you afterwards; and will use the interval to have my trunks packed in readiness to leave the house should he deem it best."  
"I am right. You are a devil," she cried, with another burst of impetuous, uncontrollable temper.  
I turned as I reached the door.  
"Should he decide that I stay, Madame, and wish to see me, I shall be quite prepared."  
I went out then without waiting for any reply.

CHAPTER VA NIGHT ADVENTURE  
I felt completely satisfied with the result of my conversation with Madame d'Artelle. I had had some qualms about the manner in which I had entered her house; feeling, it must be confessed, something like a spy. But our relations would now be changed. It would be at most an alliance of hostility. I should only remain because she would deem it more dangerous for me to leave; she would trust me no further than 

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