"What is it ?" "That I cannot tell; for Mademoiselle de Mussidan's sake, I have withdrawn all my pretensions to her hand,--not to leave the field open to any other intruder, but in order that she may be your wife." "How are we to learn what has really happened ?" asked the Viscountess.
"In some way or other we shall find out, if you will be our ally." Most women are pleased to busy themselves about a marriage, and the Viscountess was cheered to find herself mixed up in so romantic a drama.
"I am entirely at your beck and call," answered she.

"Have you any plan ?" "Not yet, but I will soon.

As far as Mademoiselle de Mussidan is concerned, we must act quite openly.

Andre will write to her, asking for an explanation, and you shall see her to-morrow, and if she is well enough, give her his note." The proposal was a startling one, and the Viscountess did not entertain it favorably.
"No," said she, "I think that would not do at all." "Why not?
However, let us leave it to Andre." Andre, thus addressed, stepped forward, and said,-- "I do not think that it would be delicate to let Mademoiselle de Mussidan know that her secret is known to any one else than ourselves." The Viscountess nodded assent.
"If," continued Andre, "the Viscountess will be good enough to ask Modeste to meet me at the corner of the Avenue de Matignon; I shall be there." "A capital idea, sir," said the lady, "and I will give your message to Modeste." She broke off her speech suddenly, and uttered a pretty little shriek, as she noticed that the hands of the clock on the mantelpiece pointed to twenty to twelve.

"Great heavens!" cried she, "and I am going to a ball at the Austrian Embassy, and now not even dressed." And, with a coquettish gesture, she drew her shawl around her, and ran out of the room, exclaiming as she descended the stairs, "I will call here to-morrow, Gontran, on my way to the Bois," and disappeared like lightning.
Andre and his host sat over the fire, and conversed for a long time.