She is making a
superb marriage into one of the noblest, richest families in Belgium.
Albert worships the ground she walks on. The Countess will be more
than indulgent to her. She is realizing the most perfect future a
young girl can hope for. I see nothing to regret, because she is
making a slight concession to her father."
Francois looked a little sadly at this mother who had never
comprehended her daughter's psychology. He knew that for this sweet
woman the happiness of life began with her husband and ended with him.
He did not want to argue and rose, saying, "I must do some work."
Ho kissed the unlined forehead of his beloved wife, and then as he was
leaving the room added, "Tell Esperance I should like to see her
letter before she sends it."
Esperance sat at her desk in her own room, but she sat with her head
in her hands, unable to begin her letter. Presently Genevieve came in.
"Is anything the matter, dear?"
Esperance told her what had just happened downstairs.
"I have learned once more that all your reasonings and counsels are
always wise, dear sister.... I am sitting trying how to write to the
Countess to tell her that I am not going back to the stage!"
Genevieve kissed her. Esperance let her head fall on her friend's
bosom, and raising her eyes to her face, said slowly, "But oh! I have
not the courage."
Genevieve knelt beside the desk, and dipping the pen in the ink, put a
fresh sheet of paper before Esperance, saying with a laugh, "Mlle.
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