She cared not at all how her father had found out her secret, so long as he knew it, and she guessed that submission would be the best policy.
Meanwhile, active preparations were made for an immediate departure.
The count informed his friends that he was going to pass Lent in Paris, on account of his daughter's health, which was very poor, and in two days everything was ready.

They would leave on the following morning.

In the evening the count entered his daughter's apartments, after causing himself to be formally announced by a servant, and briefly informed her that they would start for Paris on the following morning.

Her maid had been engaged in the meantime in packing her effects, not knowing whither her mistress was going.

Hedwig received the announcement in silence, but her father saw that she was deadly white and her eyes heavy from weeping.