"Gustave! Is it possible? Gustave has returned, and you haven't told me?"
"You have only just come; I couldn't tell you any sooner."
"But when did he return? When did you see him?"
"He came to see us on Monday; I believe he arrived in Paris the night before."
"What! he has been here since Monday, and I didn't know it! And he's coming to-night—you are quite sure? Did father invite him for to-night?"
"Father didn't actually invite him; but he knows that we receive on Thursdays, and, as he expressed a wish to visit us anew—— And then, he knows that he will meet you."
"Did he talk much about me? Does he act as if he still loved me? Oh! tell me everything he said, little sister; don't forget a single thing. It is very important; I must know what to expect."
Adolphine made an effort, and replied in a voice trembling with emotion:
"Yes, Monsieur Gustave told me that he still loved you, that he had never ceased to think of you."
"Oh! how sweet of him! There's constancy for you! And they say that men can't be faithful!—The poor fellows: how they are slandered! Dear Gustave! then he's well pleased that I am a widow, I suppose?"