"The prince is remarkably punctual. Is it possible that he has given such immediate attention to the advice contained in my note!" Antonine came out of her uncle's chamber. At the sight of the marquise the poor child did not dare take another step. She remained motionless, mute and trembling, waiting her fate with mortal agony, for Madeleine had promised that morning to intercede with the prince. Sophie then entered, holding in her hand the letter which the aide-de-camp had just delivered. She gave it to Antonine, and said: "Here, my child, carry this letter to your uncle immediately. It is very urgent, very important. He will give you an answer, and I will take it to the man who is waiting." Antonine took the letter from the hand of Madame Dutertre, throwing a look of anxious curiosity upon her two friends, who exchanged a hopeful, intelligent glance. Their expressions of countenance so impressed Antonine that, addressing the two young women in turn, she said to them: "Sophie, Madeleine, what is the matter? You look at each other in silence, and what is this letter? Pray, what has happened? My God!" "Go quick, my child," said Madeleine. "You will find us here when you return." Antonine, more and more perplexed, ran precipitately to her uncle's room. Madame Dutertre, seeing the marquise bend her head in silent thought, said to her: "Madeleine, now what is the matter with you?" "Nothing, my friend. I am thinking of the happiness of poor Antonine,--that is, if my hopes do not deceive me." "Ah, her happiness she will owe to you! With what enthusiastic delight she and Count Frantz will thank you! Will you not have been their special providence?" At the name of Frantz, Madeleine started, blushed slightly, and a cloud passed over her brow. Sophie had not time to perceive the emotion of her friend, as Antonine rushed suddenly out of the adjoining chamber, her charming face radiant with an expression of joy and surprise impossible to describe. Then, without uttering a word, she threw herself on Madeleine's neck; but her emotion was excessive; she suddenly turned pale, and the two friends were obliged to support her. "God be praised!" said Sophie, "for, in spite of your pallor and agitation, my poor Antonine, I am certain you have good news." "Do not tremble so, dear child," said Madeleine, in her turn. "Recover yourself! Calm yourself!" "Oh, if you only knew!" murmured the young girl. "No, no, I cannot believe it yet." The Marquise de Miranda, taking Antonine's hands affectionately in her own, said to her: "You must always believe in happiness, my child. But come now, explain what you mean."