“What makes you speak like that?” asked Siméon.
“What! Haven’t you heard?”
“I have had no letters from her since she left.”
“I see. I had one last night; and I was greatly surprised to learn that she was back in France.”
“In France! Mme. Mosgranem!”
“Yes. And she even gave me an appointment for this morning, a very strange appointment.”
“Where?” asked Siméon, with visible concern.
“You’ll never guess. On a barge, yes, called the Nonchalante, moored at the Quai de Passy, alongside Berthou’s Wharf.”
“Is it possible?” said Siméon.
“It’s as I tell you. And do you know how the letter was signed? It was signed Grégoire.”