"Madame is going to Nantes?" asked the prefect, by way of making a remark.
"Yes, monsieur; and thence to Paris,--at least, I hope so."
"It is not, I presume, the first time that Madame visits the capital?"
"No, monsieur; I lived there twelve years."
"And Madame left it--"
"Oh! very unwillingly, I assure you."
"Recently?"
"Two years ago last July."
"I can well understand that having once lived in Paris--"
"I should wish to return there. I am glad you understand that."