"Very cruel! for I wish you to write me to-morrow that your mother is in better health, as you have been able to tranquillise her mind. I shall be so happy to hear this,—for I reproach myself bitterly with her grief, as it is I who have involuntarily caused it."
"I promise you; and you?"
"In a week you shall know my secret. I the less regret not having received you at my own residence,—we are about, I fear, to break through our habits of solitude. M. de Hansfeld has begged me to receive several persons, amongst whom are M. and Madame de Brévannes. Do you know them?"
"I meet M. de Brévannes sometimes. They say his wife is a charming creature."
"Charming! and I fear for my husband's peace that he thinks so too."
"What do you say?"
"I believe he is deeply enamoured of Madame de Brévannes."
"The prince?"
"He is perfectly free in his actions, as I am in mine."
"And you refuse to receive me at your hotel, when your husband——"