Compelled to remain by his wife’s side, the thoughts of his past life forced themselves upon him, and he shuddered to think that, at the age of twenty-five he had only to look back upon scenes of misery and crime, which cast a cloud of gloom and horror over the rest of his days. What a terrible future to come after so hideous a past!
He had another source of anxiety, and frequently rang the bell to inquire for Jean.
“Send him to me as soon as he comes,” was his order.
At last Jean made his appearance, and his master led him into a deeply-recessed window.
“Well?” asked he.
“All is settled, my lord; be easy.”
“And Caroline?”
“Has left. I gave her twenty thousand francs, and saw her into the train myself. She is going to the States, where she hopes to find a cousin who will marry her; at least, that is her intention.”
Norbert heaved a deep sigh of relief, for the thought of Caroline Schimmel had laid like a heavy burden upon his heart.
“And how about the other matter?” asked he.