If Hunsden had come in at that moment, I should have said to him, "I owe you nothing, Hunsden--not a fraction of a farthing: you have paid yourself in taunts!" Too anxious to remain any longer quiescent, I had no sooner breakfasted, than I repaired once more to M.Vandenhuten's, scarcely hoping to find him at home; for a week had barely elapsed since my first call: but fancying I might be able to glean information as to the time when his return was expected.

A better result awaited me than I had anticipated, for though the family were yet at Ostend, M.Vandenhuten had come over to Brussels on business for the day.

He received me with the quiet kindness of a sincere though not excitable man.

I had not sat five minutes alone with him in his bureau, before I became aware of a sense of ease in his presence, such as I rarely experienced with strangers.
I was surprised at my own composure, for, after all, I had come on business to me exceedingly painful--that of soliciting a favour.

I asked on what basis the calm rested--I feared it might be deceptive.