This inspired a sort of confidence, and Mere Malheur
seized the opportunity to deliver the letter from La Corriveau.
"My Lady," said she, looking carefully round the room to note if the
door was shut and no one was present, "I can tell you more than the
interpretation of your dream. I can tell who you are and why you
are here!"
Caroline started with a frightened look, and stared in the face of
Mere Malheur. She faltered out at length,--"You know who I am and
why I am here? Impossible! I never saw you before."
"No, my Lady, you never saw me before, but I will convince you that
I know you. You are the daughter of the Baron de St. Castin! Is it
not so?" The old crone looked frightfully knowing as she uttered
these words.
"Mother of mercies! what shall I do?" ejaculated the alarmed girl.
"Who are you to say that?"
"I am but a messenger, my Lady. Listen! I am sent here to give you
secretly this letter from a friend who knows you better than I, and
who above all things desires an interview with you, as she has
things of the deepest import to communicate.
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