I stepped out upon the balcony and watched the children cross the sunlit
square; they turned and waved their hands to me; then I saw them enter
the park and scamper down the shady avenue, the faithful Elise trotting
quickly in their wake.
I remained on the balcony wrapped in peaceful thoughts, glad to feel the
warmth of the autumn sun on my shoulders and the coolness of the autumn
breeze on my cheeks. A wave of thankfulness came over me; repentance for
all my past doubts and transgressions flooded my heart.
How could I ever have doubted Paul Kamarowsky's love? Was not the
absolute faith he reposed in me--the blind unquestioning faith that in my
folly I had often resented--was it not after all the highest homage that
a noble heart could bestow? Henceforth the aim of my life should be to
render myself worthy of his trust and love. In utter gratitude and
devotion my heart went out to him who was about to place in my keeping
the honor of his unsullied name, and the care of his motherless child. I
clasped my hands and breathed a fervent prayer to Heaven, a prayer that
I might deserve the happiness that was in store for me.
A slight sound startled me from my reverie. It was Kamarowsky who,
having returned and not finding me in the drawing-room, had knocked at
my bedroom door. Receiving no reply he entered. I left the balcony, and
closing the window after me, stepped into the room.
Kamarowsky was standing in front of the dressing-table holding the black
leather satchel in his hand.
"What is this?" he asked casually. "Is it yours?"
The pitiless light from the window struck me full in the face, and I
felt that I was turning pale. "No--no--" I stammered. "It is not mine."
"I thought not," he said, turning it round and round. "I did not
remember seeing it. We had better send it down to the bureau of the
hotel." And he stepped forward to touch the bell.
"No, no!" I cried, "it belongs to Elise."
"Why does Elise leave her things in your room?" Then noticing my pallor
and agitation he exclaimed: "Why, dearest? What is wrong with you? You
look quite white."
[Illustration: I STEPPED OUT UPON THE BALCONY.]
"It is nothing, nothing," I said, attempting to smile; and I sat down
with my back to the light. I was trembling from head to foot.