CHAPTER XVI.
EPISTOLARY.
[From Madame Leblanc to Captain Danton.] Quebec, May 17, 18--.
Dear Sir:--I write to you in the utmost distress and confusion of mind.

I hardly know how to break to you the news it is my painful duty to reveal, lest some blame should attach itself to me or mine, where I assure you none is deserved.

Your daughter Rose has left us--run away; in fact, I believe, eloped.

I have reason to think she was married yesterday; but to whom I have not yet discovered.

I beg to assure you, Captain Danton, that neither I nor any one in my house had the remotest idea of her intention; and we are all in the greatest consternation since the discovery has been made.