e, bound
hand and foot, to the anger of her stepmother, by telling all she knew
of the childish romance of which she had been the confidante. As a
reward she was permitted (as she had foreseen) to retain her place in
the character of a spy.

It was a sad Ste.-Clotilde's day that year. Marien, who came in the
evening, heard with surprise that the Baroness was indisposed and could
see no one. For twelve days after this he continued in disgrace, being
refused admittance when he called. Those twelve days were days of
anguish for Jacqueline. To see Marien no longer, to be treated with
coldness by her father, to see in the blue eyes of her stepmother--eyes
so soft and tender when they looked upon her hitherto--only a harsh,
mistrustful glare, almost a look of hatred, was a punishment greater
than she could bear. What had she done to deserve punishment? Of what
was she accused? She spoke of her wretchedness to Fraulein Schult, who,
perfidiously, day after day, drew from her something to report to Madame
de Nailles. That lady was somewhat consoled, while suffering tortures
of jealousy, to know that the girl to whom these sufferings were due was
paying dearly for her fault and was very unhappy.

On the twelfth day something occurred which, though it made no noise in
the household, had very serious consequences. The effect it produced
on Jacqueline was decisive and deplorable. The poor child, after
going through all the states of mind endured by those who suffer
under unmerited disgrace--revolt, indignation, sulkiness, silent
obstinacy--felt unable to bear it longer. She resolved to humble
herself, hoping that by so doing the wall of ice that had arisen between
her stepmother and herself might be cast down. By this time she cared
less to know of what fault she was supposed to be guilty than to be
taken back into favor as before. What must she do to obtain forgiveness?
Explanations are usually worthless; besides, none might be granted
her. She remembered that when she was a small child she had obtained
immediate oblivion of any fault by throwing herself impulsively into the
arms of her little mamma, and asking her to forget whatever she had done
to displease her, for she had not done it on purpose. She would do the
same thing now. Putting aside all pride and obstinacy, she would go
to this mamma, who, for some days, had seemed so different. She would
smother her in kisses. She might possibly be repelled at first. She
would not m