Chapter XL

[A Brief Note from Jules Farman in Paris to Henry Gastonard at St. Germain.]

4 (bis), Rue du Quatre Septembre,
November 8th, 1905.

Monsieur,--I am very well able to understand your displeasure, and regret that it should have been incurred. Permit me to assure you that I have not deserved it. The circumstances of this unhappy case concern so many others, there are so many threads to this tangled skein that I crave your indulgence if all does not march as you would wish it.

You heard from me yesterday the welcome tidings both of Madame’s safety and of her content. When the moment comes--and it is hourly expected--I feel that you will be the first to acquit me of the deception which has been practised. Madame believes that you are on your way from England, and will arrive in Paris, it may be to-day, it may be to-morrow. When you are with her, I doubt not that you will readily understand both our desire for delay and her continued residence. This story, believe me, is put forward for the best of reasons--reasons, I repeat, which you cannot fail to approve.

But something, Monsieur, may be told by me in the meanwhile, and that I do not hesitate to write. It is now clear that Madame Gastonard was placed as a child at the Convent of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart at Feonville, near Orleans. A childish frolic carried her from the gardens of the old house to the woods upon the road to Blois, where she fell into the evil hands of the murdered woman, Marie Bordon, and was by her sold to the travelling showman, Gondré. So, passed from hand to hand, she becomes the servant of these rogues, and is lucky to find a home at last with that honest man Cassadore. Her story until the moment of her entry into the Convent School will be told to you by others, I trust, before many days are passed.

I have directed, Monsieur, that this message shall reach you at St. Germain, believing that your continued stay in that town is both wise and convenient. In the meantime, dear sir, be assured of the loyal service of,

Your devoted,
Jules Henry Farman.