. In the society columns of all the papers there
was mention of the exquisite, delightful, and ideal Mme. Robineau. She
was in the swim at one stroke. And Robineau, he too was in the swim. He
was a member of the little club six weeks later! Papa, he doesn't
understand the importance of these things; one can't reason with him
about it; it's all Greek to him. However, as he had absolutely cut off
my supplies, I had to submit, and consent to an interview with Number
Two."

"And what was Number Two like?"

"Ah, my dear fellow, what was she like! She was the daughter of a rich
merchant of Antwerp. A Belgian article! First a provincial, and then a
foreigner! Papa doesn't like Parisians. Mamma was from Chatellerault,
and she was indeed a saint. Number Two happened to be in Paris; so last
night, at the Opera Comique, they showed me a Fleming, who was very
blond, very insipid, very masculine--a Rubens, a true Rubens; a
giantess, a colossal woman, a head taller than I, which is to say that
materially one could not take her in a lower stage-box, and those are
the only boxes I like. On leaving the theatre I told papa that I
wouldn't have Number Two any more than Number One, and that I had had
enough, and that I wouldn't see Number Three. The discussion was heated.
Papa went off banging doors and repeating, 'No more money!' I saw that
it was serious. I went to bed, but I couldn't sleep--I thought; but I
could think of nothing to save me from the fat hands of the Antwerp
girl. Suddenly, towards three in the morning, I had an inspiration--I
had an idea that I can call, if you'll permit it, a stroke of genius."

"I'll permit it."

"Yes, genius. I knew that you left to-day for Marseilles, and this
morning I departed, English fashion, without explanation, and in a
little while, at the first stop, at Laroche--I have looked at the
time-table, I have thought of everything--I shall send the following
despatch to my father," and Raoul triumphantly pulled a paper out of his
pocket. "It's all ready. Listen. 'M. Chamblard, 8 Rue Rougemont, Paris,
Laroche station. I left on the express for Marseilles with Maurice. I am
going to make a voyage around the world. I sha'n't be more than six
months. I have engaged by telegraph a state-room on the _Traonaddy_
which leaves to-morrow for Singapore. Anything rather than a Flemish
alliance! Farewell. With regrets for leaving you, your affectionate son,
Raoul Chamblard.' My telegram's all right, isn't it