Mme. de la Vaudraye did not at first understand; then, when Gilberte had told her of the search conducted by the solicitor, she could not conceal her satisfaction:
“So you have succeeded? Oh, I am glad!... Why should I deny it? I was bothered in advance about what other people would say: pardon my weakness, I can confess it now that I have accepted you as a daughter before knowing that your parents were worthy of you. The fear that they might not be was the only obstacle; and that was irrevocable. But I overcame that fear. Something to boast of, was it not? As though it were difficult to know them, when one knows you!”
She took the letter, felt it and said:
“We shall soon learn the name of two good people. Your father must have had your fascination, Gilberte; and your mother: I picture your mother as an exquisite, charming creature like yourself.... Did you love her very much?”
“More than my life, madame.”
“Here, Guillaume, read it out.”
Guillaume took and opened the envelope. As he was unfolding the letter which it contained, he had a momentary hesitation.
“Why, what’s the matter?” asked Mme. de la Vaudraye.
“Nothing,” he said, presently.
And he unfolded the letter.