So all the next day, Herminie, radiant with happiness, was making important preparations in her pretty, dainty room for the signing of the marriage contracts of the richest heiress in France, and of the adopted daughter of M. le Marquis de Maillefort, Prince Duc de Haut-Martel,—an adoption of which the poor musician had not as yet the slightest suspicion.
CHAPTER XXIX.
AN EVENTFUL DAY.
Herminie was not the only person who was busily engaged in preparations for the signing of these contracts.
A joyous excitement pervaded a modest little home in the Batignolles, also.
Commander Bernard, Gerald, and Olivier had insisted upon dining together that evening under the same arbour where the opening scene of this story had occurred several months before.
At the conclusion of the repast all three were to repair to Herminie's for the signing of the marriage contract.
A superb autumn afternoon had favoured the realisation of this project, and Madame Barbançon had surpassed herself in her culinary achievements.
Notified in advance this time, she had tended with the utmost solicitude a triumphant pot au feu, which was to be followed by some juicy cutlets, a fine roast chicken, and a boiled custard, where the snowy whites of the eggs floated in immaculate whiteness upon a rich vanilla cream.
Poor Madame Barbançon considered this decidedly commonplace menu the ne plus ultra of culinary magnificence.
But, alas! in spite of the excellence of the repast, the three guests did little honour to it. Joy had deprived them of their appetites, and the worthy housekeeper, in her disappointment, could not help comparing this disheartening indifference with the zest with which Gerald and Olivier had devoured two helpings of her hastily improvised vinaigrette several months before.