"It is a service daily rendered among neighbors," thought she, "and there is nothing compromising about it." She tapped twice, therefore, at the door, and Jacques opened it, somewhat surprised at this late visit.

But scarcely had she taken a step into the room than the smoke that filled it suddenly choked her, and, before she was able to speak a word, she sank fainting into a chair, dropping her candle and her room door key onto the ground.

It was midnight, and everyone in the house was asleep.

Jacques thought it better not to call for help.

He was afraid, in the first place, of compromising his neighbor.