1
The Eyes of Innocence
by Maurice Leblanc
Author of "Arsène Lupin," The Golden Triangle," "The Woman of Mystery," "The Secret of Sarek," etc.
TRANSLATED BY ALEXANDER TEIXEIRA de MATTOS
New York
THE MACAULAY COMPANY
1920
Chapter I.
GILBERTE
"Would you please give your name, madam?" asked the waiter.
And he handed the elder of the two travellers a sheet of paper headed, "Villa-pension des Deux Blondes, Dieppe."
"Write down the name, Gilberte," she said. "I am so tired."
Gilberte took the pen and wrote:
"Mme. Armand and daughter, from London, bound for... Now that I think of it, where are we going next, mother?"
"I don't know yet."
"Oh, that doesn't matter!" said the waiter.
And he took the paper and left the room.
"Yes, Mr. Waiter," cried the young girl, with a laugh. "Mme. Armand and her daughter, arriving from England, from Germany, from Russia, coming to France and delighted, especially Mlle. Armand, who does not yet know her own country!"
"Will you find happiness here?" murmured her mother, sadly, drawing her daughter to her. "There is none left for me, since your poor father is dead; but you, my pet, my dear, loving Gilberte, what has the future in store for you?"
"Why, joys, mother darling, nothing but the greatest joys: haven't I you with me?"
They exchanged a long embrace. Then Mme. Armand said:
"Gilberte, the crossing has upset me; I feel I must lie down for a while. Go and sit on the terrace and come back in an hour. Then we will unpack our tr