Who are_ you?
_how long have_ you _been here_ ?" The letter was drawn up, and he watched anxiously for the reply.

It came, and with it some sheets of blank paper.
"_Monsieur_,--_We have the honour to reply to your inquiries, and thank you for your frankness.

Henri Edouard Clermont, Baron de St.
Claire.

Valerie de St.Claire.We have been here but two days.

Accept our sympathy for your misfortunes_." Four words in this note seized at once upon Monsieur the Viscount's interest--_Valerie de St.Claire_;--and for some reasons, which I do not pretend to explain, he decided that it was she who was the author of these epistles, and the demon of curiosity forthwith took possession of his mind.