“M’sieu’,” he said to Charley, “a registered parcel has come for you. It has been brought by the postmaster’s daughter. She will give it to no one but yourself.”
Charley’s face paled, and the Cure’s was scarcely less pale. In Charley’s mind was the question, Who had discovered his presence here? Was he not, then, to escape? Who should send him parcels through the post?
The Cure was perturbed. Was he, then, to know who this man was--his name and history? Was the story of his life now to be told?
Charley broke the silence. “Tell the girl to come in.” Instantly afterwards the postmaster’s daughter entered. The look of the girl’s face, at once delicate and rosy with health, almost put the question of the letter out of his mind for an instant. Her dark eyes met his as he came forward with outstretched hand.
“This is addressed, as you will see, ‘To the Sick Man at the House of Jo Portugais, at Vadrome Mountain.’ Are you that person, Monsieur?” she asked.
As she handed the parcel, Charley’s eyes scanned her face quickly. How did this habitant girl come by this perfect French accent, this refined manner? He did not know the handwriting on the parcel; he hastily tore it open. Inside were a few dozen small packets. Here also was a sheet of paper. He opened and read it quickly. It said:
Monsieur, I am not sure that you have recovered your memory and your health, and I am also not sure that in such case you will thank me for my work. If you think I have done you an injury, pray accept my profound apologies. Monsieur, you have been a drunkard. If you would reverse the record now, these powders, taken at opportune moments, will aid you. Monsieur, with every expression of my good- will, and the hope that you will convey to me without reserve your feelings on this delicate matter, I append my address in Paris, and I have the honour to subscribe myself, with high consideration, Monsieur, yours faithfully, MARCEL LOISEL.
The others looked at him with varied feelings as he read. Curiosity, inquiry, expectation, were common to them all, but with each was a different personal feeling. The Cure’s has been described. Jo Portugais’ mind was asking if this meant that the man who had come into his life must now go out of it; and the girl was asking who was this mysterious man, like none she had ever seen or known.