"Tut, tut, Philip, that is not the way to salute your betrothed."
And Philip, drawing her to him, kissed her for the first time since they had betrothed themselves to each other in the hut in Paris; and then saluted Mademoiselle Bertram.
"We have been under no uneasiness respecting you, Philip," the countess said; "for Claire and myself both look upon you as having a charmed life. Has your mission been successful?"
"It has, aunt, beyond my hopes. And first, I must ask your pardon for having deceived you."
"Deceived me, Philip! In what way?"
"My mission was an assumed one," Philip said; "and in reality, Pierre and I journeyed to Paris."
A cry broke from the countess's lips.
"To Paris, Philip! And your mission has been successful? You have heard something?"
"I have done more, aunt, I have found him."
"The Lord be praised for all His mercies!" burst from the lips of the countess, and she threw herself on Philip's neck, and burst into a passion of tears, the first she had shed since he brought the news from Paris.