He is supposed to be staying at Paris." The paper dropped on the floor.

Ernest threw himself back on the chair, and covered his face with his hands.
Alice was beside him in a moment.

He looked up, and caught her wistful and terrified gaze.

"Oh, Alice!" he cried, bitterly, and almost pushing her away, "if you could but guess my remorse!" Then springing on his feet, he hurried from the room.
Presently the whole house was in commotion.

The gardener, who was always in the house about supper-time, flew to the town for post-horses.