He made an affirmative sign. Once more I bowed to the genius of the Jerusalem street goddess.
I said to the gardener in a solemn tone: "Here is a letter of the greatest importance; you must hand it to Mlle. de Chateaudun when she is alone." I then showed him my purse and said: "After that, this money is yours."
"The sweet young lady!" said the gardener, walking off towards the château with the gold in one hand, the letter in the other, and the purse in his eye—"The good young lady! it is a long time since she has received a love-letter."
I said to myself, The handsome Léon does not indulge in letter-writing—he has a good reason for that.
The following is the letter carried by the gardener to the château:—
"Mademoiselle,—
"Desperate situations justify desperate measures. I am willing to believe that I am still, by your desire, undergoing a terrible ordeal, but I judge myself sufficiently tried.
"I am ready for everything except the misery of losing you. My last sane idea is uttered in this warning.
"I must see you; I must speak to you.
"Do not refuse me a few moments' conversation—Mademoiselle, in the name of Heaven save me! save yourself!