FIRST COUNTING.
Baron Huchenard.......... 17 votes.
Dalzon................... 15 ”
Vicomte de Freydet....... 5 ”
Moser......................1 vote.
SECOND COUNTING.
Baron Huchenard.......... 19 votes.
Dalzon................... 15 ”
Vicomte de Freydet....... 3 ”
Moser.................... 1 vote.
THIRD COUNTING.
Baron Huchenard.......... 33 votes.
Dalzon................... 4 ”
Vicomte de Freydet....... 0 “(!!)
Moser................... . 1 vote.
It is clear that between the second and third taking of votes the copy of ‘Without the Veil’ must have been sent round in the interest of Baron Huchenard. An explanation I must and will have. I won’t leave the place till I get it.
4 P.M.
Dearest sister, you may guess my feelings when, after I had heard in the next room M. and Madame Astier, old Réhu, and a stream of visitors congratulating the author of ‘Cave Man,’ the door of the library opened and my old master came in, reaching out his hands and saying, ‘My dear boy, forgive me’—between heat and emotion he was nearly speechless—‘forgive me, that man had a hold over me. I had to do it, I had to do it. I thought I could avert the disaster which threatens me, but destiny is not to be escaped, no, not even by a base act—’ He held out his arms and I embraced him without the least anger, without indeed quite understanding the mystery of this bitter grief.
After all, my own loss is easily retrieved. I have first-rate news of Ripault-Babin. He can hardly live through the week. One more campaign, dear, one more. Unfortunately the Hôtel Padovani will be closed all the winter, owing to the Duchess’s deep mourning. So for our scene of operations we shall have the ‘at home’ days of Madame Astier, Madame Ancelin, and Madame Eviza, of whose fashion there is no question since the visit of the Grand Duke. But the first thing, dear Germaine, will be to move. Passy is too far off; the Académie will not go there. You will say I am dragging you about again, but it is so important. Just look at Huchenard. He had no claim whatever but his parties. I dine with my dear master; don’t wait for me.
Your affectionate brother,
Abel de Freydet.
Moser’s solitary vote in each counting was given by Laniboire, the man who reports for the good conduct prizes. They tell a queer story about it There are strange things under the dome!