Mlle de Saint-Geneix went out with such energetic resolution that Madame
de Villemer dared not say another word to detain her. She saw that
Caroline was irritated and hurt. She blamed herself for having made it
too evident that "she knew all," while the poor woman actually knew
nothing, for she did not perceive Caroline's real affection.
So far was she from this that she tried to persuade herself Caroline had
always loved the Duke, that she had sacrificed herself to his happiness,
or that, perhaps, like a practical girl, she was counting upon the
return of his friendship after the honeymoon of his marriage. "In the
latter case," thought the Marchioness, "it would be dangerous to let her
remain in the house. Some time or other it would bring unhappiness into
my young household; but it is too soon to have her go away--and so
abruptly: the Marquis would be almost insane. She will grow calm, lay
her plans, and whenever she returns with them I will persuade her to
accommodate herself to mine."
For an hour, then, the Marchioness was engaged upon her own plans. She
would see her son again that evening, as had been agreed, and would tell
him that she had sounded Caroline's inclinations, and found her very
cold toward him. For several days she would avoid the decisive
explanation. She would gain time, she would induce Caroline herself to
discourage him, but gently and with prudence. In a word she was planning
to control the fates, when she saw the hour had passed and Caroline had
failed to come. She inquired for her. She was told that Mlle de
Saint-Geneix had gone away in a hackney-coach with a very small bundle,
leaving behind the following letter:--
"MADAME DE VILLEMER,--
"I have just received the sad news that one of my sister's children is
seriously ill. Pardon me for hastening to her at once without having
asked your leave; you have visitors. Besides, I know how kind you are;
you will surely give me twenty-four hours. I shall be back by to-morrow
evening. Receive the assurance of my tender and profound regard.