My husband E-Book

Max du Veuzit

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 306

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

I can't imagine that I'm your wife and that you have rights over me. What seems natural to you, since you propose it to me, makes me feel sacrilegious. The law can bend my civil being, it does not enchain my modesty or my intimate self. I'll only be the wife of the man I love, and... I don't love you yet!

Leseprobe

My husband

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Max du Veuzit

My Husband

Prologue

My husband is indeed a book that captivates. Max is the Veuzit writer put all his soul, subtle and delicate, showing, once again, an extraordinary power of imagination from the first to the last line.

By paralleling the English mind and the French spirit with all that either include rudeness, delicacy, charm and sincerity, the author proves his perfect psychological knowledge of the different elements of our modern society. She runs a real intellectual acrobatics ending his book with a kind of apotheosis in which these two spirits that seem irreconcilable, are united in the same love of family.

The advantage of this novel still resides in its design and in its holding.

A concise, flexible writing and alert, unpretentious and without mannerism; Gallic good mood which sometimes manifested by a burst of laughter; the art of plant characters of opposing them to each other, to reconcile in an unexpected manner; add some science dialogues, divided; sow on all soft and comforting emotion and you will have the features of this book that appeals, that monopolizes, which captivates.

After reading the first lines, one might be led supposed to have on hand one of those scabrous works, with a piteous realism, if not immoral, that sell for a special audience to great fanfare; but between all sentimental novel has been carefully designed and written to be in every hand.

This is a nice companion in leisure time.

This is the book we read and reread it with equal satisfaction is the volume that takes a trip and we leaf through the train without having to hide the cover, even less to conceal to take reading.

My husband is just a good novel.

Besides, if the book of Max Veuzit is the newcomer in bookstores, is an old acquaintance of all those interested in literary things.

It was, in fact, reproduced many times, on the ground floor, by multiple newspapers, whose circulation has increased with publication.

So he went around the world, read by millions of enthusiastic readers.

He will have the novel in bookstores, the success it got serialized?

The hundreds of letters from readers having followed in their papers and claiming the volume, well before it was edited, allow me not to doubt. And my friendship with the author did not also of sincere wishes to make for his book to wish him, in bookstores, the same success that he has already won in the newspapers.

So to all those and all those who love good and healthy reading, I say: Read My husband ; you again later reread with pleasure.

Pierre Belloni.

I

That day, Anne-Marie, Mrs. Nordin of the maid, entered my home, a letter by hand.

This girl showed little gracious to me. For two months I was in the castle, she pursued me with a kind of sneaky antipathy that I could not overcome yet, despite my courtesies to him.

I thought, since, that the desire was to be the reason for this unjustified animosity that marked me. I ate at the table of the masters, I held company Ms Nordin; it made me aware of all of its business; Finally, and most importantly, I had a flat to share, first floor reserved for guests. Anne-Marie could not forgive me for being treated at the castle in a different way from the way we normally wore with the servants.

- No large, your mail. But for once, it counts, said the maid, pointing to me by far the letter she was holding.

Returning the letter between his fingers, she began to laugh incisive and biting manner.

And, reading aloud the inscription:

- "Madame Walter Anderson, born Simone Montagnac, reader Mrs Nordin, the castle of Fresnes by Clavigny (Eure) ..." It's good for you, there's no mistake! So ! you are married ? Compliments miss Simone Montagnac, as you do you have here; when we already have a history of a married woman and that the cache is that it contains few specific things ... Faith Anne-Marie, I would rather see the gallant who openly to marry me next sheet of sending my husband to oblivion as you seem to do!

Bewildered, I gauged girl whose laughter insolent insulted me more than words.

- What is this? I say without understanding, yet put on the defensive by his tone sardonic. Give me that letter if it is to me, and take care of what concerns you.

But she so happy of what she believed to be a pattern of insolence, was in no hurry to end.

She did not even handed me the letter subversive.

- Bride! she resumed. And it poses here for a lady out pension and never saw the wolf! In a word louder than the other, it became bright as innocent! This is hilarious! ... Mrs. Walter Anderson! As this is new ... and true! No way to deny the letter bears the official letterhead of me of clay, notary in Evreux. He must know what it is, me of clay!

She had another laugh and gave me the letter rather than handed it to me.

- Here is your letter, Ms. Walter Anderson Much to me your husband, when you write it!

She turned on his heels and I heard his insulting laugh even after she had closed the door.

The surprise, the emotion of the unexpected apostrophe nailed me to the ground. The result is that I hardly dared touch the strange missive, one cause of this curious scene.

However, I took the envelope, and, right away, as did the maid, I began to examine it.

First, the header printed caught my eye:

Me of clay, notary in Evreux (Eure).

This simple line withdrew, indeed, to the letter, apparently joking.

Me of clay existed. It was the notary of my mistress, Mrs. Nordin, and I thought I remember that he was too old, that of my poor mother, too quickly removed my affection. Nevertheless, for many years, I did not remember that he had had to take care of me, a businessman, Mr. Bertheim, having been appointed my guardian on the death of my mother.

In the header of the envelope my eyes went to the address. And in this, the first single line strangely surprised me: Mrs. Walter Anderson, born Simone Montagnac.

Come, come! What was the joke?

Anne-Marie could stop there, but I knew I was not married, and that for every name, I wore one bequeathed me by my parents. Simone Montagnac I was born, and Simone Montagnac I remained to this day.

Only an error could associate my name with that of Walter Anderson.

The mistake of some cleric, of course!

It was likely that he had been writing on the same day, Ms Walter Anderson and me. Following an amusing misunderstanding, he had attached our names. And this simple thoughtlessness, Anne-Marie was fired immediately, a ridiculous and incredible story.

In reasoning thus, I continued to return the envelope in all directions, without daring to open it.

One question, in fact, arose in my loyalty: the contents of this letter it was good for me, or the error continues, inattentive clerk was there not join an interesting document Anderson lady he was dressed up so little ceremoniously quality?

After much hesitation, I was convinced that I had the right, indeed the duty, to open the letter.

If the content was good for me, the error would have carried on the envelope. If, however, he interested another person, it would be easy to excuse my unintentional mistake by doubt had created in me the singular superscription.

So I unsealed the letter.

A paper mid-print, mid manuscript appeared to me like a circular which whites were filled in by hand.

And it was not without growing amazement that I read the label:

"Simone Montagnac-Louise, married Walter Anderson

born in Paris,

November 27, 1912,

is requested to kindly proceed to study

as soon as possible,

for the case concerning. "

"Signed: of clay,

Notary in Evreux. "

Twice I re-read this notice me repeating:

- My name, my surname, my Vital girl, what!

But how the name of Walter Anderson could it be coupled with mine?

I did not know this man. Better than that, I could say they have never heard or read his name to this day.

- Oh ! but it must immediately dispel this misunderstanding. I'll write to me of clay! I must not allow such a gross error to survive longer.

Already I walked into my little office there to scribble my protest, when a sudden thought flashed through my brain.

- With or without Walter Anderson me of clay needs to see me ... to see Simone-Louise Montagnac ...

Instead of writing, is it not better to go to his invitation? Faster than by an exchange of letters, the error would be recognized and repaired. At the same time, I would set the matter for me as soon as possible.

This project seemed to suffer no impediment, I resolved to carry it out the same day.

So I went down to join Mrs. Nordin to beg her to grant me the freedom of the day.

At the door of his apartment, I met Anne-Marie, who was coming out.

This girl seemed brightened, and his mocking eye lingered on me.

I understood that she had to report to his mistress on my singular morning mail.

And suddenly, the thing seemed fun.

Bride! She thought I was married!

I easily prevailed on Mrs. Nordin permission to absent myself.

This excellent lady appeared elsewhere outraged the mystification of which I was the object.

- A girl that religious have recommended me! they have high! This misfortune notary deserve all the curses!

II

It was barely two o'clock in the afternoon when I entered the Chambers of clay.

It was a long and sad room, lined with dusty boxes from here and there, some black benches covered with papers.

In front of the curious and cheeky looks clerics fixed on me, I felt a little intimidated.

A friendly voice fortunately called me from across the room.

- What do you want, lady? politely asked a man of a certain age who occupied a separate desk behind a gate.

- Can I see me of clay? I answered myself advancing towards him?

- It is very busy right now, Madame, and I fear it can you receive that appointment.

- He called, however, to its study. "As soon as possible," he said.

- So, it's different. Do you remember your name, ma'am?

The insistence of the man to call me madam really annoyed me, though knowing that he gave me that title out of politeness and in ignorance of my identity.

But I still had in the ear the voice of Anne-Marie naming me in every possible way:

"Madame Walter Anderson! "

So I pressed the qualifier miss giving my name.

- Simone Montagnac? He repeated, as if trying to remember.

At the same time, he consulted a list of the gaze placed within reach.

It seemed to me that his research remained fruitless, and I felt a little disappointed, as I was afraid because of the name of the error - making an unnecessary trip.

- I do not see for what matters, I heard him mutter.

And earlier, he asked:

- Are there long as you call this managed?

- This morning, sir.

- Look! he said, surprised.

Then rising:

- Please be seated, miss; I'll see if me of clay is in his office.

I remained pensive as he disappeared to return seconds later.

- If you want to enter, Madame me of clay waiting.

Why I thought I read in his eyes a kind of curiosity that was not there before? Why I remarked that the name of Madame beginning to give me?

I felt a sort of malaise that held apprehension.

What could I fear, though?

I must have said already that I do not know anything me of clay. The sight reminded me do not remember.

It was the first time I was in his presence.

He was a man of sixty years, the look very serious, very posed, but also very friendly.

From a courteous gesture he made me sit and, businessman whose moments are precious, he began at once the object of his summons.

- I asked you to go to my study without delay so as to settle, if possible, all outstanding issues concerning you in the inventory of Mr. Bertheim.

- The inventory of Mr. Bertheim? I questioned.

- Yes, of Bertheim, who was a businessman in this town for thirty-four years. He was your tutor, I believe?

- Indeed.

- Well ! Bertheim died there a few months, you need to know.

- I did not.

- Since I was in charge, with Mr. Lecourt, confessed in this town, take stock and resolve all pending cases. I add, Madame, that it commit you to anything, about the future, vis-a-vis me. You can always take some other businessman you like. If you want even this time you do not take care of yourself, you have only to refer to me as an agent of your choice.

The tone of me of clay was extremely courteous and natural. However, in these words, it seemed to me that he hardly wanted to have me for a client ...

A smile a little sad passed my lips.

- I have no fortune ... or any parent. I expect nothing from my work; so I do not need to embarrass me an agent. My business does not have to be complicated. If the death of Mr. Bertheim for me in any way, I would be obliged if you would enlighten me, then you take care of me.

- My God ! yes, this concerns you; not so much because of supervisory accountability you, since the marriage has emancipated you by right, and your recent majority brings with it a few formalities unimportant ... and only because Walter Anderson seems to have failed to address this issue for four years, but also, above all, because the death of Bertheim deprives you of a council to oppose the solicitor from London ...

I felt obliged to interrupt me of clay

- I do not understand at all.

Politely, he explained to me by pressing the words:

- I mean your interests requires you not to remain helpless in front of your husband.

- My husband ! But I have no husband, sir!

- Walter Anderson?

- I do not know him ! You are mistaken, this is not me!

- However ...

- No, you confuse.

I smiled, this time amused that despises continued.

The notary, however, looked at me with genuine surprise.

- You're not Madame Simone Montagnac, married Walter Anderson?

- I miss Simone Montagnac, and that's it ... I'm not married, and, for the first time today I've heard of this Walter Anderson.

My eyes of clay wrapped me in amazement. His voice seemed to become severe:

- Come, come, my child ... What is this joke? There are four years ...

- But this is not a joke, I say to you, I'm not married ... It is a misnomer ... vital!. Four years ! I left the convent where I was raised, there are a few months. The nuns will tell you that I have always lived with them since childhood.

I was silent, not knowing what else denial supply, and suddenly embarrassed bewilderment that I read on the face of the notary.

His half-closed eyes seemed to convince me to lie. My explanations were to appear extravagant him, because his lips, an incredulous smile irony flourished.

- My God ! said I, you do not believe me?

- I held yesterday, your marriage certificate in my hands, 'he said calmly, in response.

- Yesterday ... My marriage ...!

And, irreverently, I laughed.

No, really, it was too funny!

The insistence of man to want me married ended up being comical. At first I was sorry for adventure. We love little, in general, be taken to another ... But now, I could not see the funny side of the question, a notary, a serious notary could embark on such a boat!

But while my untimely laughter broke the silence of the room, me of clay, imperturbable, rang his secretary.

- Bring me Mrs. Walter Anderson record, he ordered.

- Well sir.

Two minutes later, the notary was in the hands of what can enlighten me.

- You seem quite so, 'he said. For my part, I am not the least. Seeking together what it means.

- I assure you that this is a mistake ...

He interrupted me:

- Is ! admit the error a moment, and to find out, go back a few years back. I only ask you to answer me truthfully, though I am not an investigating judge! But the matter is too serious to be treated lightly ... I wish, given your young age and saw my experience be for you a paternal friend, guiding you on track.

- Thank you, I said with emotion, my fictitious gaiety suddenly soaring at the seriousness of my interlocutor. Ask me, I will answer with precision.

He adjusted his glasses, moved a few pages, then began my file in hand:

- Your full name they are those worn on the call sheet you received this morning?

- Yes, it is true, except the name of Walter Andersen.

- Well ! well ! Not so fast. You are fatherless and mother?

- Yes sir ! My father died a few weeks before my birth. I lost my mother he only few decade.

- That's right ... I have here the birth of your parents; I also have yours ... I found these papers in Bertheim. This man was not very scrupulous in business he undertook; but I must admit it was a wonderful order, and that the files are complete.

- Our research will be even easier.

- Let's hope so ... In addition to these vital records, here is a statement of the main expenses paid for you, formerly the convent; these accounts will stop it four years ago.

- It's funny, because there are only three months since I left the nuns.

- We will examine this in hand ... Here is a listing on a named Charles Florent ...

- My godfather ! I interrupted.

- Your sponsor perfectly. This Florent Charles died in 19 ...

- Five years ago.

- Yes, it was in February. But this year, I note among the paid notes of your education costs a separate sheet regarding the sum of five thousand francs to pay for a trip to England. So you went to the country in 19 ..., that is to say there are four and a half years.

- Indeed, my guardian demanded that trip intended to improve myself in English.

- You went there alone?

- No, a religious accompanied me there.

- Ah! It has accompanied you?

- Yes but why ?

- Here, here! we're getting there! Do you remember at what time took place this trip?

- During the summer holidays, that is to say from 20 July to 15 September about.

- Are you sure?

- Oh ! certainly !

- Well ! if he cried triumphantly, is on July 23 this year, you will have married Walter Anderson, as evidenced by the two papers as follows: the transcription of your marriage certificate on the records of the French civil status - this act is recorded and perfectly authentic - and this other: a copy of an official act passed before Curnett, attorney in London. For this copy, I see that a sum of ten thousand pounds you is recognized as dowry.

- It's impossible, it's not me! I repeated mechanically, without being troubled by the enormity of the sum which he attributed to me.

- See for yourself, 'he said, handing me the two layers. Everything is smooth and orderly. If you read English, it's easy to see that it is you that it is.

Plagued most complete amazement, I tried to decipher the scrawl that awful asked me to go.

I was too excited to read with profit. What good, anyway? Each line was returning my name coupled with that of Walter Anderson, and this one jumped out at me.

My God ! My God ! What does it mean? I was married myself! I, who had never spoken to a man in a tone even just friendly! Me, whose heart, whose soul were as new as those of a child!

This was due to the madness!

A distress over me suddenly, and tears came to my eyes. I had the impression of being alone and helpless in the presence of great danger.

- I see, I said, resting the papers on the office of the notary. I see that I'm supposedly married, my name is constantly accompanied by that of another; it is legal, since you claim. But I assure you, sir, I do not understand, I do not know what that means; it's not me, it can not be me that is the question!

The sight of my tears seemed to excite me of clay. His fist at me.

- Calm down, my child. If there is an error, we will recognize. The Walter Anderson must know what it is, if you, you know nothing; we will question.

- But this man whose name makes me wear it, who is it? An English ? Is it just an honest man?

He made a gesture of ignorance.

- It only refers to here as the profession of man of letters. This qualifier is a little vague in this case. However, the dowry that you have made during the marriage, seems to indicate a fairly nice property status; Finally, the pension of thirty thousand francs he used you for two years ...

- What pension? I interrupted. I never touched money!

- Ah! this is something else! According to the papers I have and the numbers Bertheim, I see, two years ago, your husband serves you an annuity of thirty thousand francs.

- I never touched a dime, which proves that it is someone else.

It was, again, an evasive gesture.

- What is clear, he continued, is that Bertheim released and discharged the solicitor from London, twice that sum of thirty thousand francs. Your tutor, you see, was aware of your wedding. He knew of Walter Anderson and knew the ties that bound you to him.

- This is to lose his head! I said, clutching my forehead. How to convince you, sir? Look, you say I married July 23, 19 ...

- Perfectly.

- Well ! in October of that year, I went to take the examination of the patent exceeds Rouen. Before continuing, ask the religious; they will confirm that they raised me, I have left them at my majority and that I could get married at the time of which you speak.

- The sisters can only say that what they know. Now, during your trip to London, you could ...

- Get married! I protested indignantly.

- Perhaps have you without realizing the consequences ... by ... by careless prank ... What do I know? We were able to abuse your good faith I

- A woman was able to take my name and use. It also is possible. Why did you plan it?

- Because one thing is certain and quite disturbing is that you were in London, you recognize yourself, at the time when you are supposed to have contracted marriage with Walter Anderson.

- Indeed, I said, overwhelmed. This coincidence is appalling.

- A second point is even gained is that this Walter Anderson is convinced that you are his wife, since he does not hesitate to make you a pension. There are some days I received a letter from his solicitor letter to Bertheim, of course, but I have opened because of my mandate. The letter contained a check for fifteen thousand francs, representing the balance of six months pension currents. Meanwhile, the businessman demanded from you.

- It is incomprehensible to me.

- How believe that person error, since it is your guardian who served as intermediary between you and your husband?

- Bertheim not explain it himself!

- Yes, it could shed more light. His death is unfortunate for you because his information had been able to remember something, since you seem to know nothing.

I remained pensive a few minutes.

I realized that me of clay, despite his good nature, was not convinced of my good faith.

I sought in myself what evidence to give him my sincerity, but none presented itself to my mind.

But I said:

- This marriage emancipated me, is not it?

- Certainly.

- How, then, explain that I have stayed at the convent for not leaving that to my majority?

- A pattern that I know could you dictate this conduct.

- What motive?

- I do not have to look for it, I stick to the facts acquired.

- Or, anyway ... You say Bertheim left his records in order. Now married for four years, that pension would have been made to me that for two years; Why ?

- I do not know.

- May if twice Bertheim received a sum of thirty thousand francs, in all sixty thousand francs, he had to leave some trace of the use of that money. Did I receive? Did I gave a receipt?

- Ah! here ! I sought...

- Well !

- It is mentioned nowhere.

- So it is my debtor for sixty thousand francs.

- That is to say, as guardian and businessman, you must account for the use of this sum.

- Perfect ! But you do not find anything in this direction?

- Nothing.

- However, support has been provided for four years, at the expense of my education and my interview.

- Since then, it is not mentioned on its books no such indication.

- Since then, that is to say since the time of the supposed marriage, my guardian thus kept in possession of the money intended for Mrs. Walter Anderson, and, on the other hand, he could not keep account of the expenses incurred in the education Simone Montagnac. How do you reconcile that, sir?

The face of the notary had suddenly become conscious.

- Indeed, these are two glaring irregularities, he agreed.

- Well, sir, I cried victoriously, check with the religious, they say you have been paid regularly.

- I will pursue this matter, declared me of clay with a sudden energy. If it is proved that Bertheim: 1 paying your boarding without mentioning the flow; 2 ° he kept in his possession significant sums which should have sent you; 3. that kept your marriage, it has not liquidated the guardianship accounts, this will explain many things ... without brightening, too!

- Oh ! Sir, I want you to do this evidence then, as soon as possible.

- They only serve to inform us a little more.

- They will convince you of my good faith.

He smiled, and paternally:

- I started to do more doubt, my child.

- True ! You are convinced that I am not married?

He laughed and made a hand gesture of protest:

- Sorry, sorry! To be married, you are well! This is indisputable. But it is likely that your naivety, inexperience were exploited. How? By who ? In what conditions ? I do not know. You have a husband, but you do not know; and, better than that, to this day, you lived without enjoying any of the benefits you gave marriage: wealth, freedom, independence, etc.

- And now what do I do? What do you recommend ?

Length, it reflects.

- Give me forty-eight hours before you respond. I want to gather some evidence to support your statements; I must consult me ​​Lecourt who also handles the Bertheim liquidation. Come back in three days, at this same time, my child, I will certainly have something new to let you know.

- May God hear you, sir! I look forward to this wedding is canceled.

He started to laugh.

- You alright fast. Before you even consider this, first try to know how u concluded.

He had risen and was driving me out.

- Come on, live quietly by our next meeting. Do not worry: this matter may be much simpler than you think. In all cases, the material point of view, your situation is more beautiful than you suppose.

A strong handshake ended these encouraging words from the notary, and found myself in the street, dazed by what I had learned and glimpse.

Bride! I was really married, and I did not even know my husband ...

III

I returned that evening to the castle of Fresnes where I had to Mrs. Nordin detailed account of what I had learned at the Chambers of clay.

This lady was an excellent person. However, very puritanical, she did not show for me, on this occasion, as indulgent as it was usually.

Perhaps Anne-Marie had she served me, with her in my absence? I do not know. But as I continued my story impartially, Mrs. Nordin uttering exclamations offended.

- Here is a very bad deal, miss! and I very much regret that you will be mixed. The man whose name you bear is perhaps a libertine you followed the bad advice during your stay in London ...

I interrupted indignantly:

- I can assure you, Madame, I have never met this man!

- You say, my child, and my friendship for you only asks you to believe; but how can I convince my friends that things went well? Already, domesticity is in turmoil as a result of your adventure; tomorrow, the whole village will know, and without people await the outcome, I'll be a laughing stock because everyone will condemn me for having brought home.

- In short, madam, you condemn me?

I got up, very pale:

- Listen, my dear, I would keep you with me, and I know how to stop this unpleasant publicity will be done ... you understand ...

- I understand, ma'am. And since it takes a victim to public spite, it's only natural that you would not cover me with your protection. Tomorrow morning, I will leave your house, ma'am, and be sure that no more than myself, you will regret for the troubles that my presence in your home can cause you.

- Oh ! do not get angry ... understand ...

But cold, I was inclined before her.

- Madam, I salute you.

My patience was exhausted, and I could not hear more.

The next day I wake up, I made my trunk. My desire to get away from this house become inhospitable for me was so great that, to save time, I did not went down, as usual, take Mrs. Nordin breakfast in the morning.

This lady saw me so that about eleven o'clock, just moments before I went up by car to the train station.

She was affable, regretting perhaps, or at least, trying to atone for his attitude the day before.

Before leaving me, she gave me, in a sealed envelope, the modest sum she owed me for the past month, and that was for me, at that moment, almost everything I owned.

In the train, only I opened the envelope, and I realized that instead of francs that was due me, Mrs. Nordin had put twice.

A short note attached thereto:

"Allow me, my dear child, to give you that extra bit and accept it as coming from an old friend who appreciated your dedication. "

"I wish you luck, my dear, and let me pleasure to give me sometimes from you. "

"Do not forget, either, to contact me if fate, unfortunately, you violated; I will respond immediately to your call. "

"Believe me sincerely your friend,"

"Berthe Nordin. "

This letter and thought that had dictated touched me deeply.

So I went, afterwards, I could remember Mrs. Nordin without the heavy bitterness I felt for a few hours.

This lady had sacrificed myself for fear of gossip, but its discreet act proved to me that she had learned to appreciate my character and she did not forget the pleasant hours we had spent together.

My wounded pride had vanished suddenly, and, for the first time since the day before, I felt relaxing tears in my eyes.

This is in Evreux that I went.

I had not taken any decision about what I would do.

My modest nest egg would not allow me to stay long without work, but the thought of this English husband could get my sky dominated all my other concerns.

Before seeking another situation, I wanted to have seen me of clay and whether he had learned something about myself.

Higher than my material well-being, I placed my honor young girl who appeared affects me terribly by this unknown marriage.

Above all, my duty would be to make clear my civil name of Walter Anderson, who was attached to mine.

And, to stay freer of my actions, I went down to the hotel, instead of fetching from the nuns who had raised me respectable asylum that they would not refuse me.

IV

Two days still separated me from the rendezvous of clay by me seemed to me mortally long. They passed all the same, and at the agreed time, boiling with impatience, I entered for the second time in the office of notary.

- Alas! said he saw me, I have made little progress in my research. I have nothing new to tell you.

- Nothing ? I say, sorry.

- Nothing ! First, in the papers of Bertheim, I have found absolutely no notes or record relating to or indirectly, to your case.

- It's strange, all the same!

- Probably that your wedding was such a natural thing that he had nothing to mention about it.

I nodded, convinced evil.

He continued :

- Then I went to the Sisters of Mercy. They confirmed that you had already told me about your trip to London, which was imposed by your tutor.

- You see...

- I specifically asked the nun who accompanied you during this trip ...

- So what ?

- She says you do not have left ...

- Ah!

However, she remembers that you have expressed the desire to go attend services Bavarian Chapel, located in Regent Street.

- Indeed.

- Unable or unwilling to accompany you, it will let them go only two or three times.

- Well ?

- This is, precisely, that was celebrated your marriage with Walter Anderson.

- Ah ... That's the last straw!

But suddenly, a stream of blood rushed to my face.

A forgotten detail came back to me after four and a half years.

- What's the matter ? said the notary, who had noticed my confusion.

- A memory, I say ... a coincidence, perhaps ...

- Explain yourself ?...

- One day as I was praying, a married couple passed me. The woman was wearing a sumptuous dress. She was blond, pretty, pretty small, so that was great to him, very thin ... I recognize both of them if I saw them again ... And because it all seemed cheerful and very serious to him, I began to pray for them. They seemed poorly mated to me and I had the strange feeling that they could be happy together.

My voice had dropped. Tumultuous thoughts were born in me. I resumed aloud:

- Who knows if it's not at the wedding of Walter Anderson I witnessed that day?

The lawyer shook his head.

He accepted that the facts and put some mind rejected everything, from near or far, holding to the imagination.

- To make it, he would have to admit a substitution of people with the help of your tutor.

- That seems plausible.

- Let's not go so fast in our deductions ... You have to see before ...

- Oh ! Yes. You have to see ... I want to look ... I beg you, my dear master, do not leave me. I came to you today the all heart filled with hope ...

- And you see that I do not know anything more than yesterday!

- So what?

- I thought about it ...

He leaned back in his chair and crossing his fingers, he continued:

- Here, we will not know anything more. Legally, you are Mrs. Anderson; your papers are in order, we do not hear more. You must go to London.

- If necessary, I will go.

- That's it. You will go to the English solicitor who will connect you with Mr. Anderson ... Then you will see it. You will explain with him, and according to what will come out of this interview, you will act.

- So far, I see no difficulty in following your advice.

- There is only one...

- Which ?

- One that would arise if, at Mr. Anderson, you were in the presence of a woman claiming that it is you who Make use of a name that is not yours.

- Indeed ... How to prove that I am Simone Montagnac and the other is imposture?

- I thought about it, though, despite everything, this event is not to be feared, since if Walter Anderson made a pension to his wife, is that it is no longer with him. However, other witnesses can deny your words. So I prepared a letter for me Curnett.

- You tell him?

- I told him that my client, Simone Montagnac will travel shortly to him to ask for more information about her marriage to Walter Anderson, she claims not to know.

- It's the truth.

- As long as you have not seen Walter Anderson, you can not say that is unknown to you. This name can hide a character you've already met.

- Or ... go! What would you say again?

- I specify that no doubt can rise on the personality of my client: you are the real Simone Montagnac, born at the place and dates indicated on the marriage of Walter Anderson ...