But grief soon overcame anger in the young man's heart. He endeavoured to recall all the particulars of his last interview with Mariette, but no indication of the slightest alienation of affection presented itself to his mind. On the contrary, never had she seemed more loving and devoted,--never had she seemed so eager to unite her lot with his. And yet, unless appearances were deceiving him, Mariette, whom he had always believed so pure and honest, was a monster of dissimulation. Louis could not believe that; so, impatient to solve the mystery, and unable to endure this suspense any longer, he resolved to go to Mariette's home at once, even at the risk of offending her godmother, who, like Father Richard, had had no suspicion of the young people's mutual love up to the present time. Not one of the different emotions which had in turn agitated the young man had escaped the scrivener's watchful eye, as, thinking it quite time to interfere, he said: "Louis, we must leave for Dreux early to-morrow morning, for, if we do not, Ramon is sure to be here day after to-morrow, as has been agreed upon." "Father!" "Such a proceeding on our part does not compromise us in the least, and if you are determined to oppose the dearest wish of my heart, I only ask that you will spend a few more days with Ramon and his daughter, as a favour to me. After that, you will be perfectly free to act as you see fit." Then seeing Louis pick up his hat, as if he intended to go out, Father Richard exclaimed: "What are you doing? Where are you going?" "I have a slight headache, father, and I am going out for awhile." "Don't, I beg of you," exclaimed the old man, with growing alarm. "You have looked and acted very strangely ever since you read that letter. You frighten me." "You are mistaken, father. There is nothing the matter with me. I have a slight headache, that is all. I shall be back soon." And Louis left the room abruptly. As he passed the porter's lodge, that functionary stopped him, and said, with a mysterious air: "M. Louis, I want to see you alone for a moment. Step inside, if you please." "What is it?" asked Louis, as he complied with the request. "Here is a card that a gentleman left for you. He came in a magnificent carriage, and said that his business was very important." Louis took the card, and, approaching the lamp, read: * * * * * "_Commandant de la Miraudière, 17 Rue du Mont-Blanc._ "Requests the honour of a visit from M. Louis Richard to-morrow morning between nine and ten, as he has a very important communication, which will brook no delay, to make to him." * * * * * "Commandant de la Miraudière? I never heard the name before," Louis said to himself, as he examined the card, then, turning it over mechanically, he saw, written in pencil on the other side: "Mariette Moreau, with Madame Lacombe, Rue des Prêtres St. Germain l'Auxerrois."