The sweetest and most reviving months in the year were just opening, and she begged to be allowed to spend then in the country, for they were sure, she said, to do her good.
Madame de Montrevel, always unable to deny Amelie anything, above all where it concerned her health, granted her request.
On her return to Paris, Madame de Montrevel travelled as before, with Sir John.

Much to her surprise, during the two days' journey he did not say anything to her about his marriage to Amelie.

But Madame Bonaparte, as soon as she saw her friend, asked the usual question: "Well, when shall we marry Amelie and Sir John?
You know how much the First Consul desires it." To which Madame de Montrevel replied: "It all depends on Sir John." This response furnished Madame Bonaparte with much food for reflection.
Why should a man who had been so eager suddenly grow cold?
Time alone could explain the mystery.
Time went by, and the trial of the prisoners began.

They were confronted with all the travellers who had signed the various depositions, which, as we have seen, were in the possession of the minister of police.

No one had recognized them, for no one had seen their faces uncovered.
Moreover, the travellers asserted that none of their property, either money or jewels, had been taken.