nd!

FIRST COUNTING.

Baron Huchenard.......... 17 votes.

Dalzon................... 15 "

Vicomte de Freydet....... 5 "

Moser......................1 vote.

SECOND COUNTING.

Baron Huchenard.......... 19 votes.

Dalzon................... 15 "

Vicomte de Freydet....... 3 "

Moser.................... 1 vote.

THIRD COUNTING.

Baron Huchenard.......... 33 votes.

Dalzon................... 4 "

Vicomte de Freydet....... 0 "(!!)

Moser................... . 1 vote.

It is clear that between the second and third taking of votes the copy
of 'Without the Veil' must have been sent round in the interest of Baron
Huchenard. An explanation I must and will have. I won't leave the place
till I get it.

_4 P.M._

Dearest sister, you may guess my feelings when, after I had heard in
the next room M. and Madame Astier, old Rehu, and a stream of visitors
congratulating the author of 'Cave Man,' the door of the library opened
and my old master came in, reaching out his hands and saying, 'My
dear boy, forgive me'--between heat and emotion he was nearly
speechless--'forgive me, that man had a hold over me. I had to do it, I
had to do it. I thought I could avert the disaster which threatens me,
but destiny is not to be escaped, no, not even by a base act--' He held
out his arms and I embraced him without the least anger, without indeed
quite understanding the mystery of this bitter grief.

After all, my own loss is easily retrieved. I have first-rate news of
Ripault-Babin. He can hardly live through the week. One more campaign,
dear, one more. Unfortunately the Hotel Padovani will be closed all
the winter, owing to the Duchess's deep mourning. So for our scene of
operations we shall have the 'at home' days of Madame Astier, Madame
Ancelin, and Madame Eviza, of whose fashion there is no question since
the visit of the Grand Duke. But the first thing, dear Germaine, will be
to move. Passy is too far off; the Academie will not go there. You will
say I am dragging you about again, but it is so important. Just look at
Huchenard. He had no claim whatever but his parties. I dine with my dear
master; don't wait for me.

Your affectionate brother,

Abel de Freydet.

Moser's solitary vote in each counting was given by Laniboire, the man
who reports for the good conduct prizes. They te