It is dated from Venice at the beginning of May; it is short but nevertheless decisive; 'Dear Valerie,--Tell me, as near as possible, the probable date of your confinement.

I await your reply with an anxiety you would imagine, could you but guess my projects with regard to our child.' "I do not know," said Noel, "whether Madame Gerdy understood; anyhow she must have answered at once, for this is what my father wrote on the 14th: 'Your reply, my darling, is what I did not dare expect it to be.
The project I had conceived is now practicable.

I begin to feel more calm and secure.

Our son shall bear my name; I shall not be obliged to separate myself from him.

He shall be reared by my side, in my mansion, under my eyes, on my knees, in my arms.