"Very well," said the duke, with a disappointed air; "then there is no need that I should delay my departure for another day. I shall leave for Marseilles by the night's express, Valerie."
"As you please," she wearily replied.
"I may be gone a fortnight, Valerie, and I may not be gone more than ten days; the length of my absence will depend upon contingencies; but I shall hurry back with all possible dispatch."
"Yes, I am sure you will," she answered, because she did not know what else to say.
"And I will write to you every day."
"Thank you."
"Will you write to me every day?"
"Certainly, if you wish me to do so."
"Of course I wish you to do so, my love," said the duke, as he stooped and pressed his lips on the pale cheek of his "wayward child," as he sometimes called her.
He then left the room to give orders to his valet and groom to pack up and be ready to attend him on his journey.