And M. de Maillefort departed, still in doubt as to Herminie's identity, and no less in doubt in regard to the best means of carrying out Madame de Beaumesnil's last wishes.
The young girl, left alone, reflected long upon the incidents of the day, which, after all, had proved a happy one for her, for by refusing a gift which proved her mother's deep solicitude for her welfare, but which might compromise that mother's memory, the young girl had gained M. de Maillefort's warm friendship.
But the payment made to M. Bouffard by a stranger was a terrible blow to Herminie's pride.
"I must seem despicable, indeed, in the eyes of a person who dared to take such a liberty as that," the proud girl was saying to herself just as there came a timid ring at the door.
Herminie opened it to find herself confronted by M. Bouffard and a stranger.
This stranger was Gerald de Senneterre.
CHAPTER XXX.
AN APOLOGY ACCEPTED.
On seeing the Duc de Senneterre, who was an entire stranger to her, Herminie coloured with surprise, and said to M. Bouffard, with much embarrassment:
"I did not expect to have the pleasure of seeing you again so soon, monsieur."
"No more did I, mademoiselle. No more did I! It was this gentleman who forced me to return."