she reflected, has an idle and good-for-nothing son. It was true, no human being interested in her fate knew where she was; and she might have disappeared from the face of the earth, if her hosts had a mind to evil, without leaving a single trace of her destiny behind her, unless a clue were discovered by her chance association with the humble companions with whom she had passed the evening.
"'However," said she to herself, 'nothing venture nothing have! Is it not by the energy and courage I display in his cause, that I hope to win Valentine's heart? and, après tout, probably the worst I have to fear is bad accommodation and an extortionate bill,'
"She had just arrived at this comfortable decision when the door opened and a man in a cloak entered, looking so exactly like the one she was in search of, that she involuntarily started with surprise.
"'N'ayez pas peur," said he throwing off his cloak, "it's only me;" and she perceived that it was Rodolphe, who having made that addition to his dress after he had left the room, was thus changed in his appearance.
"'Pardon!' said she, endeavouring to assume as much tranquillity as she could, "I did not recognize you, at first."
