nt a man made his way through the crowd. He was dressed in
an old-fashioned livery. His face was large-featured and solemn, but now
contracted with terror.

"Are you hurt?" he cried, as he reached Jane. Two persons started on
hearing this voice--one was Jane. She colored deeply, and in much
agitation answered quickly:

"No, my friend, I am not hurt. It was a slight accident, and this
gentleman saved me."

Esperance started, because he felt sure that this voice and the one that
had addressed to him the strange words he had repeated to Goutran, was
the same. The man turned and looked at the Count.

"Who is this man who seems so interested in his friend?" asked some one.

"Oh! he is the intendant--Master Jacques--who goes everywhere with Jane
Zeld," answered the ever-present reporter, delighted to have an
opportunity of displaying his erudition. "He is called Maslenes at the
hotel."

Jane turned to Esperance:

"Will you kindly add to your kindness by giving me your arm to my
carriage?"

While the crowd, who had by no means recovered from their agitation,
complimented her on her courage, Jane moved slowly from the room.
Goutran made no effort to detain her, though he knew very well that her
departure would be the signal for a general move, as it was long after
midnight.

Esperance tried to speak, but he found it impossible to say a word to
Jane. The intendant preceded them. It was plain to the most casual
observer that he had by no means gotten over his terror. His feet were
unsteady, and his hands trembled to that degree that he could hardly
open the carriage door.

"Once more let me thank you," said Jane, softly. "We shall meet again I
trust."

Esperance, almost as if in a dream, bowed over her extended hand, and
pressed a kiss upon it. The hand trembled, but it was not withdrawn too
hastily.

Then Esperance saw nothing more--neither the intendant, who lingered as
if to speak to him, nor the coachman as he gathered up the reins. He
heard the rattle of wheels that bore Jane away, and laid his hand on
his heart to quell the strange tumult there. He remained standing on the
pavement, blind to the curious gaze of his servants.

"Are you going home sir, now?" asked his own coachman.

"Ah! what did you say?" Esperance aroused himself and looked around.
"Yes, I wish to go home." He took a step to the carriage.

"If you will wait a moment, sir, the footman will go for your hat."

His hat! Esperance did not k