CHAPTER V MADAME DE PLOUGASTEL
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The postilion drew rein, and the footman opened the door, letting down the steps and proffering his arm to his mistress to assist her to alight, since that was the wish she had expressed. Then he opened one wing of the iron gates, and held it for her. She was a woman of something more than forty, who once must have been very lovely, who was very lovely still with the refining quality that age brings to some women. Her dress and carriage alike advertised great rank.
"I take my leave here, since you have a visitor," said Andre-Louis.
"But it is an old acquaintance of your own, Andre. You remember Mme. la Comtesse de Plougastel?"
He looked at the approaching lady, whom Aline was now hastening forward to meet, and because she was named to him he rec
