"For some time the firm of Doressany & Bercher prospered, then hard times came, and after several bad seasons the firm was ruined. M. and Mme. Doressany died at some months' interval, and Monsieur Bercher with his family returned to France. Your son then traveled to Dalhousie as collector of plants and antiquities for various English houses. He took with him his young wife and his little girl, who was about three years old. "He did not return to Dacca, but I learn from one of his friends to whom he has written several times, and from Father Leclerc, who wrote regularly to Mme. Paindavoine, that they had a villa at Dehra. They selected this spot to live in as it was the center of his voyages; he traveled between the Thiberian frontier and the Himalayas. "I do not know Dehra, but we have a mission in this town, and if you think it might help in our researches I shall be pleased to send you a letter for one of the Fathers whose help might be useful in this matter...." At last the letter was finished. The moment she had translated the last word, without even waiting to write the polite ending, she gathered up her sheets and went quickly to M. Vulfran's office. She found him walking back and forth the length of the room, counting his steps as much to avoid bumping against the wall as to curb his impatience. "You have been very slow," he said. "The letter was long and difficult," she replied. "And you were interrupted, were you not? I heard the door of your office open and close twice." Since he put the question to her, she thought that she ought to reply truthfully. It would solve the problem that had caused her so much anxiety. "Monsieur Theodore and Monsieur Talouel came into the office," she said. "Ah!..." He seemed as though he wanted to say more, but refrained. "Give me the letter first," he said, "and we'll see to the other matter after. Sit down beside me and read slowly. Don't raise your voice." She read. Her voice was somewhat weak. As she read the blind man murmured to himself from time to time: "Model couple" ... "social pleasures" ... "English houses" ... "which?" ... "One of his friends" ... "Which friend?" When she had finished there was a silence. Finally M. Vulfran spoke: "Can you translate into English as well as you translate English into French?" he asked. "I can do it if the phrases are not too difficult," she replied. "A cable?" "Yes, I think so." "Well, sit down at that little table and write." He dictated in French: "Father Fields' Mission, Dacca: "Thanks for letter. Please send by cable, reply prepaid, twenty words ... name of friend who received last news, date of letter. Send also name of the Reverend Father at Dehra. Inform him that I shall write him immediately. Paindavoine." * * * * *