“Maximilian, my dearest brother!” she cried.
At these words Madame Morrel rose, and threw herself into her son’s arms.
“Mother,” said the young man, looking alternately at Madame Morrel and her daughter, “what has occurred—what has happened? Your letter has frightened me, and I have come hither with all speed.”
“Julie,” said Madame Morrel, making a sign to the young man, “go and tell your father that Maximilian has just arrived.”
The young lady rushed out of the apartment, but on the first step of the staircase she found a man holding a letter in his hand.
“Are you not Mademoiselle Julie Morrel?” inquired the man, with a strong Italian accent.
“Yes, sir,” replied Julie with hesitation; “what is your pleasure? I do not know you.”
“Read this letter,” he said, handing it to her. Julie hesitated. “It concerns the best interests of your father,” said the messenger.
The young girl hastily took the letter from him. She opened it quickly and read:
“Go this moment to the Allées de Meilhan, enter the house No. 15, ask the porter for the key of the room on the fifth floor, enter the apartment, take from the corner of the mantelpiece a purse netted in red silk, and give it to your father. It is important that he should receive it before eleven o’clock. You promised to obey me implicitly. Remember your oath.