"Yes, that is the way we shall go."

"Why so early in the morning? I would have gone out on the terrace to
see you pass, and to wish you good-by."

Bettina detained for a moment Jean's burning hand in hers. He drew it
mournfully away, with an effort.

"I must go and speak to your sister," said he.

"Directly, she has not seen you, there are a dozen persons round her.
Come and sit here a little while, near me."

He was obliged to seat himself beside her.

"We are going away, too," said she.

"You!"

"Yes. An hour ago, we received a telegram from my brother-in-law, which
has caused us great joy. We did not expect him for a month, but he is
coming back in a fortnight. He will embark the day after to-morrow at
New York, on board the Labrador. We are going to meet him at Havre. We
shall also start the day after to-morrow; we are going to take the
children, it will do them a great deal of good to spend a few days at the
seaside. How pleased my brother-in-law will be to know you--he knows you
already, we have spoken of you in all our letters. I am sure you and Mr.
Scott will get on extremely well together, he is so good. How long shall
you stay away?"