n offence against etiquette, would justify it in every other respect.
As for the cause which had brought him here, he was fully convinced
that he had no power to undo what had been done and effect a
reconciliation. Perhaps, he concluded, time, which works so many
wonders, may bring about what at present the count positively refuses
to think of, and make a separation between two incompatible natures,
appear the only means of safety.

He had just sealed the note and was writing the address, when there was
another knock at his door. "Come in!" he exclaimed indignantly, for the
thought darted through his mind that the count might come to see him in
person and thereby render useless the letter, which would have spared
him any verbal explanations; then the door opened and Toinette entered.

"Is it you?" he exclaimed rushing toward her. "Do you come to me?"

She threw back the dark shawl she had wrapped around her, and he saw
that she wore a simple dress and had laid aside all her jewelry.

"I could not help coming to you," she said in her usual tone. "I wanted
to speak to you, and you--you're going away; I knew it, before seeing
the letter upon your table. You would have gone without bidding me
farewell. Would you not?"

"Perhaps it would have been the best course," he replied, clasping her
hand, which hung loosely by her side. "Tell me yourself, my dear
friend, have we ought to hope for, from any words we might exchange?
Fate does not turn for words. And yet I could hardly have made up my
mind to leave without a word. I intended to have gone to the farm house
on the other side of the forest, and from there to have sent you a
note, to say I would wait to hear from you in case you had any
commissions for me. But you have anticipated me. Are we not in danger
of interruption here?"

"What does it matter?" she replied with a gesture expressive of the
most utter indifference, as she seated herself on the sofa. "You mean,
will it not compromise me to make you a visit by night? Perhaps so. But
that's unfortunately not sufficient cause for separation. Otherwise I
should not have waited till I could visit a friend. The first person I
chanced to meet would have suited my purpose, the chevalier, or our
dear cousin Gaston, for instance, if I could break the chain so
easily." Then glancing at the letter, she added: "What did you write to
him?"

"Do you wish to read it? It's at your service."

"No; it makes no difference. You're g