brain,
striving to find some way by which he might derive an advantage from the
mystery. For he was more than ever convinced that there was a mystery.
He had been engrossed in these thoughts for some time, when his
meditations were disturbed by a ring at the bell. Who could be calling
at this hour?

The question was answered by his servant, who appeared and informed
him that a lady, who was in a great hurry, was waiting in the
reception-room. "Very well," was his reply; "but it is best to let her
wait a few moments." For he had at least this merit: he never deviated
from his system. Under no circumstances whatever would he have admitted
a patient immediately; he wished him to wait so that he might have an
opportunity of reflecting on the advantages of consulting a physician
whose time was constantly occupied.

However, when ten minutes or so had elapsed, he opened the door, and
a tall lady came quickly forward, throwing back the veil which had
concealed her face. She must have been over forty-five; and if she had
ever been handsome, there was nothing to indicate it now. She had brown
hair, thickly sprinkled with gray, but very coarse and abundant, and
growing low over her forehead; her nose was broad and flat; her lips
were thick, and her eyes were dull and expressionless. However, her
manners were gentle and rather melancholy; and one would have judged her
to be somewhat of a devotee. Still for the time being she seemed greatly
agitated. She seated herself at the doctor's invitation; and without
waiting for him to ask any questions: "I ought to tell you at once,
monsieur," she began, "that I am the Count de Chalusse's house-keeper."

In spite of his self-control, the doctor bounded from his chair. "Madame
Leon?" he asked, in a tone of intense surprise.

She bowed, compressing her thick lips. "I am known by that name--yes,
monsieur. But it is only my Christian name. The one I have a right to
bear would not accord with my present position. Reverses of fortune are
not rare in these days; and were it not for the consoling influences of
religion, one would not have strength to endure them."

The physician was greatly puzzled. "What can she want of me?" he
thought.

Meanwhile, she had resumed speaking: "I was much reduced in
circumstances--at the end of my resources, indeed--when M. de
Chalusse--a family friend--requested me to act as companion to a young
girl in whom he was interested--Mademoiselle Marguerite. I acc