He was interrupted by the entrance of the mulattress, Pepita, who brought a sealed packet addressed to Pauline Corsi, in the hand of Silas Craig.
Pauline took the packet, and glanced carelessly at the address.
"Has Mr. Lisimon arrived yet, Pepita?" she asked.
"He has, mademoiselle; he is in the drawing-room."
"Very good, Pepita; and Donna Camillia, where is she?"
"In her own room, mademoiselle."
The mulattress retired. Pauline broke the seals of the envelope, and took from it a parchment document, folded in an oblong form. Upon the flap of the envelope were written these words:
"I send you that which you required of me. The advertisement appears in to-day's paper.—S.C."
"Come, Armand," said Pauline, "I have changed much since you first knew me; the bitter wrongs of my youth had a terrible influence upon my womanhood. I have been ambitious, heartless, mercenary, designing; but with your return my old nature comes back to me, and the fresh feelings of my girlhood revive."
"My dearest Pauline! but this marriage—that bridal wreath."