In his first three letters my father inquired the cause of my silence;
in the last he allowed me to see that he had heard of my change of life,
and informed me that he was about to come and see me.

I have always had a great respect and a sincere affection for my father.
I replied that I had been travelling for a short time, and begged him
to let me know beforehand what day he would arrive, so that I could be
there to meet him.

I gave my servant my address in the country, telling him to bring me
the first letter that came with the postmark of C., then I returned to
Bougival.

Marguerite was waiting for me at the garden gate. She looked at me
anxiously. Throwing her arms round my neck, she said to me: "Have you
seen Prudence?"

"No."

"You were a long time in Paris."

"I found letters from my father to which I had to reply."

A few minutes afterward Nanine entered, all out of breath. Marguerite
rose and talked with her in whispers. When Nanine had gone out
Marguerite sat down by me again and said, taking my hand: "Why did you deceive me? You went to see Prudence."

"Who told you?"

"Nanine."

"And how did she know?"

"She followed you."