"My aunt is dead, and I have returned home, to be with my father and sister."
"Is it possible that you are Odette's sister? Why, of course, the name of Laviguerie,—I might have known"——
Germaine noticed that even her name had escaped his memory.
"Yes," she continued, "I am soon to be your sister-in-law. You did not know that when you saw me last!"
If the moon had shone under the trees, as it shone on the sea and the rocks, it would have sparkled on the tears falling from her eyes.
They strolled around the garden, and as they returned, Paul remarked, "How surprised Odette will be."
"But, my dear friend, she must never know we have ever met before."
"Not know"——
"I am afraid I can not explain myself clearly; but you know we always sent each other a letter every day. As it happened, at the time of your visit, my aunt was not very well, so I did not have the leisure to write as fully as usual. You must excuse me, but afterwards, the little incident quite escaped my memory; and I am afraid now, if Odette hears of it for the first time, she will be a little annoyed. Please do not mention it to her."