the same for you if ever I am loved.

Farewell, poor martyred darling.



XI

MME. DE L'ESTORADE TO MLLE. DE CHAULIEU
La Crampade.

Your Spaniard and you make me shudder, my darling. I write this line
to beg of you to dismiss him. All that you say of him corresponds with
the character of those dangerous adventurers who, having nothing to
lose, will take any risk. This man cannot be your husband, and must
not be your lover. I will write to you more fully about the inner
history of my married life when my heart is free from the anxiety your
last letter has roused in it.



XII

MLLE. DE CHAULIEU TO MME. DE L'ESTORADE
February.

At nine o'clock this morning, sweetheart, my father was announced in
my rooms. I was up and dressed. I found him solemnly seated beside the
fire in the drawing-room, looking more thoughtful than usual. He
pointed to the armchair opposite to him. Divining his meaning, I sank