Everything happened according to the
Count's plans.
Francois Darbois had a great success; the Catholic party owed him
recognition for his noble dissertation on the role of philosophy in
religion. He was a fervent follower of the author of "The Genius of
Christianity."
The Princess de Bernecourt presented sincere compliments to the
affable philosopher. The Countess Styvens presented herself to Madame
Darbois, who thanked her for her special kindness to Esperance, who
regretted that she had not herself been able to thank her
sufficiently.
"Now won't you," said the charming Princess, "do us the honour to come
to dinner at the Legation next week? That will give the Countess and
myself a chance to renew our acquaintance with your adorable
daughter."
Francois, being appealed to, accepted the invitation for the following
Tuesday.
"My husband will be delighted, dear M. Darbois, to meet you; he is one
of your most faithful readers," said the Princess.
On their return the Darbois found Esperance very anxious to learn the
result of the conference. Francois said very simply as he kissed his
daughter, "You would have been satisfied...."
But Madame Darbois, made loquacious by her husband's success,
recounted everything at length and the triumph obtained by her husband
in every detail.
The invitation to dine at the Belgian Minister's rather dismayed, in
truth distressed, Esperance. Her joy in her father's success was
diminished by this prospect.
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