Pretending to long to go to England to see that rich relative of her father, who, knowing her to be in a brilliant society, had taken notice of her, she asked Madame Desvarennes to allow her to spend a few weeks from home.

She wished to try the ground in England, and see what she might expect in the future from her family.
Madame Desvarennes lent herself to this whim, not guessing the young girl's real motive; and Jeanne, well attended, went to her aunt's home in England.
Madame Desvarennes, besides, had attained the summit of her hopes, and an event had just taken place which preoccupied her.

Micheline, deferring to her mother's wishes, had decided to allow herself to be betrothed to Pierre Delarue, who had just lost his mother, and whose business improved daily.

The young girl, accustomed to treat Pierre like a brother, had easily consented to accept him as her future husband.
Jeanne, who had been away for six months, had returned sobered and disillusioned about her family.

She had found them kind and affable, had received many compliments on her beauty, which was really remarkable, but had not met with any encouragement in her desires for independence.
She came home resolved not to leave until she married.