"I will try to be back soon. Adieu."
Madame Danglars got into her carriage and drove off in the direction of Toulon.
The feelings of the poor woman, who was going to the Bagnio to see Benedetto as she had promised, can be imagined. She had seen all her hopes reduced to nothing. Her husband had fled after a shameful bankruptcy, her lover had deserted her, her daughter had disappeared without leaving a word behind her, and what was left to her? The child of her shame, who had been sentenced to the galleys for murder.
She had sacrificed everything for this son, whom she loved dearly; the Jesuits had taken her million, and saved Benedetto from the gallows. Though, to her idea, the galleys was worse than death; but there was a chance of his getting free. No, she did not wish to think any more; she would bury herself in a convent in Asia Minor, and forget everything.
Toulon was at length reached; the driver took the road to the port, and she felt her heart cease beating. In a little while she would see Benedetto; the carriage stopped; the driver got out and opened the door.
"Will you please step out? Here is the Bagnio."
With trembling limbs, Madame Danglars left the coach, and slipping a few gold pieces into his hand, she said:
"Make yourself comfortable in the nearest saloon; in about three hours we shall return home."
"To-day, madame?" asked the man; "that would be impossible."