"From my wife?" exclaimed M. de Luceval.
They gazed at each other in utter amazement.
"But how did she discover your address, madame?"
"I have no idea."
"Read it, madame, read it, in Heaven's name!"
Madame d'Infreville read as follows:
"MY DEAR VALENTINE:—I have learned that you are in Paris, and I can not tell you what happiness it would give me to embrace you, but it is absolutely necessary for me to defer that pleasure for nearly three months, that is, until early in June.
"If you care to see your old friend at that time,—and I have the assurance to believe that you will,—you must go to M. Duval, notary, at Number 17 Rue Montmartre, and tell him who you are. He will then give you a letter containing my address. He will not receive this letter until the last of May, however; and at this present time he does not even know me by name.
"I am so certain of your affection, my dear Valentine, that I shall count upon a visit from you. The journey may seem a little long to you, but you can remain with me and rest, and we shall have so much to say to each other.
"Your best friend, who loves you with all her heart,