Marguerite took her hands, greeted her as warmly as she could. Indeed she did her best to appear interested and sympathetic. Mme. de Fontenay had not much to relate. She had found refuge in the French convent of the Assumption at Twickenham, where the Mother Superior had been an intimate friend of her mother's in the happy olden days. She went out very little, and never in society. But she was fond of strolling in this beautiful Park. The sisters had told her that Lady Blakeney's beautiful house was quite near. She would have liked to call--but never dared--hoping for a chance rencontre which hitherto had never come. She asked kindly after milor, and seemed to have heard a rumour that he was at Brighton, in attendance on his royal friend. Of her husband, Mme. de Fontenay had as yet found no trace. He must be living under an assumed name, she thought--no doubt in dire poverty--Theresia feared it, but did not know--would give worlds to find out. Then she asked Lady Blakeney whether she knew aught of the de Servals. "I was so interested in them," she said, "because I had heard something of them while I was in Paris, and seeing that we arrived in England the same day, though under such different circumstances. But we could not journey to London together, as you, milady, so kindly suggested, because I was very ill the next day. . . . Ah, can you wonder? . . . A kind friend in Dover took care of me. But I remember their name, and have oft marvelled if we should ever meet." Yes; Marguerite did see the de Servals from time to time. They rented a small cottage not very far from here--just outside the town. One of the daughters, Régine, was employed all day at a fashionable dressmaker's in Richmond. The younger girl, Joséphine, was a pupil-teacher at a young ladies' finishing school, and the boy, Jacques, was doing work in a notary's office. It was all very dreary for them, but their courage was marvellous; and though the children did not earn much, it was sufficient for their wants. Madame de Fontenay was vastly interested. She hoped that Régine's marriage with the man of her choice would bring a ray of real happiness into the household. "I hope so too," Lady Blakeney assented. "Milady has seen the young man--Régine's fiancée?" "Oh, yes! Once or twice. But he is engaged in business all day, it seems. He is inclined to be morbid and none too full of ardour. It is a pity; for Régine is a sweet girl and deserves happiness." Whereupon Madame de Fontenay sighed again, and expressed the hope that one day Fate would bring her together with the de Servals. "We have so much sorrow in common," she said with a pathetic smile. "So many misfortunes. We ought to be friends." Then she gave a little shiver. "The weather is extraordinarily cold for July," she said. "Ah, how one misses the glorious sunshine of France!"