Again, as before, Raoul received me alone.
"Dearest," he exclaimed, "I know your news must be good, for you look so bright and beautiful.

Tell me--tell me!" I laughed, teasingly, though Heaven knew I was in no mood for teasing.
"You're too impatient," I said.

"To punish you for asking about the wretched diamonds before you enquired how I slept, and whether I dreamed of you, I shall make you pay a penalty." "Any penalty you will," he answered, laughing too, and entering into the joke--for he was happy and hopeful now, seeing that I could joke.
"Let me sit down and write at your desk, on a bit of your paper," I said.
He gave me pen and ink.

I scribbled off a few words, and folded the note into an envelope.
"Now, this is very precious," I went on.

"It tells you all you want to know.