Man and Maid

On Wednesday morning I received a reply from Maurice at Deauville--he

hastened to answer he said--He had heard of Miss Sharp through a man in

the American Red Cross, where Miss Sharp had been employed. He knew

nothing more about her, he had seen her once when he was interviewing

her, and Miss whatever the other woman's name was, he had forgotten

now--and he had thought her suitable and plain and capable, that is all.

I had tried to word my letter not to give the impression of peculiar

interest, but no doubt Coralie, who had returned to the band on Monday,

had given him her view of the case, for he added that these people were

often designing although they looked simple--and in my loneliness he

felt sure I would be happier and better at the sea with my friends--!

I would have been angry, only there was something humorous in the way

everyone seems to think I am incapable of managing my own affairs!--What

is it they all want of me--? Not that I should be happy in my own way,

but that I should contribute to their happiness--they want to

participate in what my money is able to procure--and they do not want

interference from outside. Every one of my friends--and relations--would

be hostile if I were to announce that I was in love with Miss Sharp, and

wanted to marry her--Even though it was proved to them that she was

pretty--a perfect lady--intelligent--virtuous--clever! She is not of

their set and might, and probably would, be a stumbling block in their

path when they wished to make use of me!--so she would be taboo! None of

them would put it in that way of course, their opposition would be (and

they might even think they were sincere) because they were thinking of

my happiness!

Burton is the only person whose sympathy I could count upon!

How about the Duchesse?--that is the deepest mystery of all--I must find

out from Burton what was the date about when she came to my

appartement and found Alathea. Was it before that time when she asked

me if I were in love--and I saw that dear little figure in the

passage?--Could she have been thinking of her--?

By Thursday when there was no further news I began to feel so restless

that I determined to go back to Paris the following week. It was all

very well to be out in the parc at Versailles with a mind at ease, but

it feels too far away when I am so troubled.

I sent Burton in on Friday to Auteuil--.