"Alas, madame, in my fright I did not reflect that my oath would prevent me from informing them; now it gives me much pain, but I believe that, without breaking my oath, I can beg you to write to Madame George, at the farm of Bouqueval, to have no uneasiness about me, without telling her where I am, for I have promised to be silent."
"My child, these precautions will become useless if, at my recommendation, you are pardoned; to-morrow you shall return to the farm, without having broken your oath; you can then consult your benefactors, to know how far you are restricted by this oath, drawn from you by threats."
"You think, madame, that, thanks to your kindness, I can hope to leave here soon?"
"You deserve so much interest, that I shall succeed, I am sure, and I doubt not that after to-morrow you can go yourself to reassure your benefactors."
"How can I have merited so much kindness on your ladyship's part? How can I show my gratitude?"
"By continuing to conduct yourself as you have done. I only regret I can do nothing for your future welfare-it is a pleasure that your friends have reserved."
Madame Armand entered suddenly, with an alarmed air.
"Madame," said she to Clemence, with hesitation, "I am grieved at the message I have to deliver to you."
"What do you mean to say, madame?"
"The Duke de Lucenay is below-he comes from your house, madame."