Such were the sadly significant symptoms which Clotilde had communicated in confidence to her mother.
On the very day when the baroness was receiving this unpleasant information at the residence of her daughter, a conversation was taking place upon the same subject between the Count de Moras and George de Lucan, in the latter's apartment.

They had taken together, during the forenoon a ride through the Bois, and Lucan had shown himself even more silent than usual.

At the moment of parting: "_Apropos_, Pierre," he said, "I am tired of Paris; I am going to travel." "Going to travel! Where on earth ?" "I am going to Sweden.

I have always wished to see Sweden." "What a singular thing! Will you be gone long ?" "Two or three months." "When do you expect to leave ?" "To-morrow." "Alone ?" "Entirely so.

I'll see you again at the club, to-night, won't I ?" The strange reserve of this dialogue left upon the mind of Monsieur de Moras an impression of surprise and uneasiness.