More, she used all her influence to keep up the
feeling for him in the country, to prevent flagging of enthusiasm. This
she did out of a large heart, and a kind of loyalty to her temperament
and to his own ardour for his cause. Until he was proved the comedian (in
spite of the young Seigneur) she would stand by him, so far as his public
career was concerned. Misfortune could not make her turn from a man; it
was then she gave him a helping hand. What was between him and Elise was
for their own souls and consciences.
As she passed the little cottage in the field the third morning of
Valmond's illness, she saw the girl entering. Elise had come to get some
necessaries for Valmond and for her mother. She was pale; her face had
gained a spirituality, a refinement, new and touching. Madame Chalice was
tempted to go and speak to her, and started to do so, but turned back.
"No, no, not until we know the worst of this illness--then!" she said to
herself.
But ten minutes later De la Riviere was not so kind. He had guessed a
little at Elise's secret, and as he passed the house on the way to visit
Madame Chalice, seeing the girl, he came to the door and said:
"How goes it with the distinguished gentleman, Elise? I hear you are his
slave.
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