The next morning, on approaching the white house, I was astonished to
see the windows open, also the entrance door. Some pieces of paper were
scattered about the threshold; a servant, her broom in her hand,
appeared at the door. I approached her.
"They have gone!" she exclaimed, before I could ask whether Gaguine were
at home.
"Gone!" I repeated; "how is that? Where have they gone?"
"They went this morning at six o'clock, and did not say where they were
going. But are you not Monsieur N----?"
"Yes."
"Very well! my mistress has a letter for you."
She went upstairs, and came back with a letter in her hand.
"Here it is," said she.
"You must be mistaken, it's impossible!" I stammered.
The servant looked at me vacantly, and began to sweep.