Under
an old pan on a shelf she found both herbs and powder. She snatched up a
handful of the herbs, and kissed them with joyful heart. Saved--she was
saved! Ah, thank the Blessed Virgin! She would thank her for ever!
A horrible sinking sensation seized her. Turning in dismay, she saw the
face of Parpon at the window. With a blind instinct for protection, she
staggered towards the door, and fell, her fingers still clasping the
precious herbs.
As Parpon hastily entered, Madame Degardy hobbled out of the shadow of
the trees, and furtively watched the hut. When a light appeared, she
crept to the door, opened it stealthily upon the intruders of her home,
and stepped inside.
Parpon was kneeling by Elise, lifting up her head, and looking at her in
horrified distress.
With a shrill cry the old woman came forward and dropped on her knees at
the other side of Elise. Her hand, fumbling anxiously over the girl's
breast, met the hard and warty palm of the dwarf. She stopped suddenly,
raised the sputtering candle, and peered into his eyes with a vague,
wavering intensity.
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