I turned to the hall porter, and--knowing that she would have travelled as 'Madame de la Feste'-- I asked for her under that name, without my father hearing.

(He, poor soul, was making confused inquiries outside the door about 'an English lady,' as if there were not a score of English ladies at hand.) 'She has just come,' said the porter.

'Madame came by the very early train this morning, when Monsieur was asleep, and she requested us not to disturb him.

She is now in her room.' Whether Caroline had seen us from the window, or overheard me, I do not know, but at that moment I heard footsteps on the bare marble stairs, and she appeared in person descending.
'Caroline!' I exclaimed, 'why have you done this ?' and rushed up to her.
She did not answer; but looked down to hide her emotion, which she conquered after the lapse of a few seconds, putting on a practical tone that belied her.
'I am just going to my husband,' she said.

'I have not yet seen him.