At all events it appeared that he had not seen either the standing advertisement in the Personal column or the copied account of Thomas Estel’s ante-mortem confession.
He was still lingering at Mrs. Downie’s quiet house in New York City. And Lilith’s joy and gratitude at having a sure clew to the wanderer was so great as to exceed her surprise and wonder at the manner in which it was recovered.
She determined to write by the first mail to Mrs. Downie and to Alfred Ancillon.
So absorbed was she in the subject of her thoughts that she did not perceive that Madame Von Bruyin had been watching her attentively for some moments, until at length that lady spoke.
“Lilith,” she said, “you must have received some very happy surprise in your letter, to judge by the rapt delight of your face.”
“I have,” replied the young creature, in a joyous tone. “I have received news of a long absent and very dear relative, from whom I had not heard for nearly two years. I had feared he was dead; but he is living, in good health, at Aunt Sophie’s house.”
“Ah! I congratulate you, my dear. So this letter is from Aunt Sophie, as I supposed. How is the dear woman?” sympathetically inquired the baroness.
“Well as ever, thank Heaven, always well. She sends you messages of love and gratitude. Would you like to see her letter?” said Lilith, holding out the paper.
“No, dear; I have seen letters enough for one evening. That good Aunt Sophie! There she is, always confined to one narrow round of duties. I wonder if she would not like to see more of the world? Could not she come out to us, if I were to send her an excursion ticket? Could not she leave the quiet, well-ordered little household in the hands of one of those matronly widows who, having lived so long with her, seem to be of the same family? What a delight it would be to show her Paris! What do you think, Lilith?”
“It would indeed be most delightful! And, indeed, although it does not seem so at first view, I think it would be quite practicable. Aunt Sophie is such a brave, enterprising little woman. I even think she need not cross alone. I think Mr. Ancillon, my relative, may be coming over on business and may bring her.”