"Have you any relations in France?" Raoul inquired with the deepest interest.
"I have a sister there, my senior by seven or eight years, who was married in France, and was early left a widow; her name is Madame de Belliere. Do you know her?" she added, observing Raoul start suddenly.
"I have heard her name mentioned."
"She, too, loves with her whole heart; and her last letter informs me that she is happy, and her affection is, I conclude, returned. I told you, Monsieur de Bragelonne, that although I possess half of her nature, I do not share her happiness. But let us now speak of yourself: whom do you love in France?"
"A young girl, as soft and as pure as a lily."
"But if she loves you, why are you sad?"
"I have been told that she has ceased to love me."
"You do not believe it, I trust?"
"He who wrote me so does not sign his letter."
"An anonymous denunciation! some treachery, be assured," said Miss Grafton.