"The first letter, then, must be one of farewell." She rose, went into her boudoir, and wrote on a sheet of paper: "MY DEAR CHILD: I am compelled to take a journey.

I shall write to you when I am ready to return.

Until then, I leave you to perform the duties of hostess, and intrust my money-chest to your care.

I embrace you a thousand times.
"Your old friend and little mama, "THEMIRE." She folded and sealed the letter, and handed it to De Fervlans.
"I shall be sure to deliver it," he said.

"And now, send Jocrisse for a fiacre; you must not use your own carriage for this.