'It seems pretty well forgotten, this trouble about Adele,' he said,
musingly, as he resumed his saunter; 'I might be able to go back
again in a few years, if not to Paris at least to Europe--one can be
very happy in Monaco or Vienna, and run no risk of being found out;
and, after all,' he muttered, thoughtfully, fingering his moustache,
'why not to Paris? The Republic has lasted too long already. Sooner
or later there will be a change of Government, and then I can go
back a free man, with a fortune of Australian gold. Emperor, King,
or President, it's all the same to me, as long as I am left alone.'
He walked on slowly, thinking deeply all the time, and when he
arrived at the door of Mrs Villiers' house, this clever young man,
with his accustomed promptitude and decision, had settled what he
was going to do.
'Up to a certain point, of course,' he said aloud, following his
thoughts, 'after that, chance must decide.'
Madame Midas was very much grieved at the news of Kitty's Escapade,
particularly as she could not see what motive she had for running
away, and, moreover, trembled to think of the temptations the
innocent girl would be exposed to in the metropolis. After tea, when
Archie had gone outside to smoke his pipe, and Selina was busy in
the kitchen washing the dishes, she spoke to Vandeloup on the
subject. The young Frenchman was seated at the piano in the
darkness, striking a few random chords, while Madame was by the fire
in the arm-chair.
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