In the morning very interesting communications passed between Paris and Marseilles.
When Mme. Derame entered the dining-room of the hotel at eleven o'clock, Raoul went straight to her, and the cavalryman, always adroit in his manœuvres, had taken possession of Mlle. Martha. A short dialogue ensued between Raoul and Mme. Derame, who was much agitated.
"They tell me there are boats every fortnight between Indo-China and Marseilles—you could put off your departure—merely taking another boat—"
"Ah, thanks, madam, thanks!"
At two o'clock the Derames and young Chamblard accompanied Maurice to the boat for Africa. On the deck of the steamer Raoul said to his friend:
"It's understood that you are to be best man. On arriving, ask your colonel for leave at once. It will take place, I think, in six weeks."
Raoul was mistaken. It was decidedly an express marriage; five weeks were sufficient.
When they were mounting the steps of the Madeleine, Raoul said to Martha: