"Was it hard?"
"No; it was soft."
"Then it's probably a cheese that she had sent to her from her province."
When he was alone, Monsieur de Mardeille lost no time in opening the parcel; it contained the little black petticoat that Georgette usually wore.
"Her petticoat! She sends me her petticoat!" cried Monsieur de Mardeille. "What bitter mockery!"
Then he unsealed the letter and read these words:
"I told you that to-day you would be able to hold and fondle my little petticoat at your leisure. You see that I keep my word; here it is. You will think very badly of me, will you not, monsieur? Before you condemn me, wait until you have seen me again, which will be as soon as I can possibly arrange it. Yes, have no fear; you shall hear from me."
Monsieur de Mardeille was speechless; the letter dropped from his hands.
XVIII
A BLASÉ YOUNG MAN
It was a fortnight after the events we have narrated.