While the archduke, astonished and disappointed not to find the marquise, was opening with inexpressible anguish the note she had left, she was on her way to the home of Antonine, where Sophie Dutertre was also expected.
Upon her arrival at the house of President Hubert, introduced in a modest parlour, the marquise was received by Sophie Dutertre, who, running to her, asked, anxiously:
"Ah, well, Madeleine, have you seen the prince?"
"Yes, and I have good hope."
"Will it be possible?"
"Possible; yes, my dear Sophie, but that is all. I do not wish to excite foolish hope in the heart of this poor child. Where is she?"
"With her uncle. Happily, the crisis of this morning appeared to leave results more and more satisfactory. The physician has just said that, if the present condition continues, M. Hubert will perhaps be out of danger this evening."
"Tell me, Sophie, do you think M. Hubert is in a state to receive a visitor?"
"From whom?"
"From a certain person. I cannot tell you more now."