And yet can one break iron or a diamond?
The carrier had brought her at the same time another letter, which she opened mechanically, merely to satisfy her conscience.

She ran through the first lines without succeeding in comprehending a single word that she read.

Suddenly her attention became riveted, her face brightened up, her eyes kindled.

This letter, which a kind Providence had sent her as a supreme resource in her distress, was from the hand of Mlle.

Galet, and here was what this retired florist of the Rue Mouffetard wrote: "MA CHERE DEMOISELLE: I learn that you have returned.