Page:The Eyes of Innocence.djvu/16

12 daughter, arriving from England, from Germany, from Russia, coming to France and delighted, especially Mlle. Armand, who does not yet know her own country!"

"Will you find happiness here?" murmured her mother, sadly, drawing her daughter to her. "There is none left for me, since your poor father is dead; but you, my pet, my dear, loving Gilberte, what has the future in store for you?"

"Why, joys, mother darling, nothing but the greatest joys: haven't I you with me?"

They exchanged a long embrace. Then Mme. Armand said:

"Gilberte, the crossing has upset me; I feel I must lie down for a while. Go and sit on the terrace and come back in an hour. Then we will unpack our trunks and go to the post-office."

"Are you expecting a letter?"

"Yes."

"From whom?"

"How inquisitive you are!"