Frahender objected to this lack of courtesy, so
the young girl giving way to her remonstrance yielded gracefully. She
even re-requested Marguerite, who knew her godfather's culinary
preferences, to order a lunch that he would like. Then she dressed in
haste to allow herself plenty of time to write to her family. They had
already exchanged telegrams, but she knew that her father would like
to have a long letter, giving him the minutes, so to speak, of
herself. A tender gratitude swelled up in her, and her eyes were wet
as she evoked the image of these two beloved beings reading her
letter, commenting upon it, and entering completely for those moments
into the life of their child. As soon as the letter was finished, she
asked Mlle. Frahender to go with her to post it, so that she could
herself speed it on its way to them. She had a strong desire to get
out-doors, even if only for a half-hour.
As they turned into the square, Esperance stopped, clutching her aged
friend by the arm. "Look there," she said.
There were two men side by side in deep conversation. Esperance had
instantly recognized Count Albert and her godfather. How did Adhemar
Meydieux happen to know the Secretary of the Legation?
They had just passed the post-office, so Esperance posted her letter
without being seen by either of them, and returned to the hotel. Lunch
time brought together all the guests except the godfather, who would
not enter until the exact minute, if he had to wait in the corridor.
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