And all was ready except the official report which constitutes the legality of guardianship, when the Huberts suddenly were taken with certain scruples.
Before receiving Angelique into their family, ought not they to ascertain if she had any relatives on her side?
Was her mother still alive?
Had they the right to dispose of the daughter without being absolutely sure that she had willingly been given up and deserted?
Then, in reality, the unknown origin of the child, which had troubled them long ago, came back to them now and made them hesitate.

They were so tormented by this anxiety that they could not sleep.
Without any more talk, Hubert unexpectedly announced that he was going to Paris.

Such a journey seemed like a catastrophe in his calm existence.

He explained the necessity of it to Angelique, by speaking of the guardianship.

He hoped to arrange everything in twenty-four hours.
But once in the city, days passed; obstacles arose on every side.