"
"What do you know about her, dame? Tell me all you suspect!" said
Mere Malheur.
"Truly," replied the dame, without the least asperity, "I suspect
the poor thing, like the rest of us, is no better than she should
be; and the Intendant knows it, and Mademoiselle des Meloises knows
it too; and, to judge by her constant prayers and penitence, she
knows it herself but too well, and will not say it to me!"
"Ay, dame! but this is great news you tell me!" replied Mere
Malheur, eagerly clutching at the opportunity thus offered for the
desired interview. "But what help do you expect from me in the
matter?"
Mere Malheur looked very expectant at her friend, who continued, "I
want you to see that lady under promise of secrecy, mark you!--and
look at her hands, and tell me who and what she is."
Dame Tremblay had an unlimited faith in the superstitions of her
age.
"I will do all you wish, dame, but you must allow me to see her
alone," replied the crone, who felt she was thus opening the door
to La Corriveau.
"To be sure I will,--that is, if she will consent to be seen, for
she has in some things a spirit of her own! I am afraid to push her
too closely! The mystery of her is taking the flesh off my bones,
and I can only get sleep by taking strong possets, Mere Malheur!
Feel my elbow! Feel my knee! I have not had so sharp an elbow or
knee since Goodman Tremblay died! And he said I had the sharpest
elbow and knee in the city! But I had to punch him sometimes to
keep him in order! But set that horrid cap straight, Mere Malheur,
while I go ask her if she would like to have her fortune told.
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