Ah!
what a relief for him!"
Mathieu, on calling in the Avenue d'Antin, had hoped to find the Seguins
assembled there. Seguin himself had returned to Paris, nobody knew
whence, a week previously, when Andree's hand had been formally asked of
him; and after an interview with his uncle Du Hordel he had evinced great
willingness and cordiality. Indeed, the wedding had immediately been
fixed for the month of May, when the Froments also hoped to marry off
their daughter Rose. The two weddings, it was thought, might take place
at Chantebled on the same day, which would be delightful. This being
arranged, Ambroise was accepted as fiance, and to his great delight was
able to call at the Seguins' every day, about five o'clock, to pay his
court according to established usage. It was on account of this that
Mathieu fully expected to find the whole family at home.
When Constance asked for Valentine, however, a footman informed her that
Madame had gone out. And when Mathieu in his turn asked for Seguin, the
man replied that Monsieur was also absent. Only Mademoiselle was at home
with her betrothed. On learning this the visitors went upstairs.
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