Leon was about to answer when they heard footsteps and the marquis came into the room; he was in the habit of coming to bid his daughter good-night before he retired for the evening. He was surprised to see Leon, though there was nothing unusual in the hour for a visit.
“What is the matter? Is Monina ill?”
“No, Papa, she is quite well.”
“Ah. I fancied—” and the marquis kissed his daughter. “I am glad to see you here,” he said kindly to Leon.
“I came to say good-bye to Pepa and to you.”
“You are going on a journey? Well, it is the best thing you can do. And where are you going?”
“I have not made up my mind.”
“And you start....”
“To-morrow.”