The thought occurred to Monsieur and Madame de Lucan to go and join them there, and thus abruptly bring about a reconciliation that seemed henceforth to be but a mere matter of form.

Clotilde was preparing to submit that project to her daughter when she received, one beautiful May morning, the following letter dated from Paris: "BELOVED MOTHER:--'No more Switzerland!' too much Switzerland! Here I am; don't disturb yourself.

I know how much you are enjoying yourself at Vastville.

We'll go and join you there one of these fine mornings, and we'll all come home together in the autumn.

I only ask of you a few days to look after our future establishment here.
"We are at the Grand Hotel.