"Very well, monsieur, and if you do not succeed, I will see what I can do."
Here an apologetic rap at the door interrupted the conversation.
"Come in," said Madame d'Infreville.
A servant entered with a letter in his hand.
"A messenger just left this for madame," he explained.
"From whom?"
"He did not say, madame. He left as soon as he handed me the letter."
"You may go," said Valentine; then, turning to M. de Luceval, "Will you permit me?" she asked.
He bowed his assent. Valentine broke the seal, glanced at the signature, and exclaimed:
"Florence? Why, it is a letter from Florence!"