Fleur was ending her morning coffee, when the housekeeper brought the letter.
"Message to you, Mademoiselle."
"Thank you, Gabrielle." Fleur took the paper from an old woman and broke the seal.
What she read made a sad smile to rise to her lips. No false, mellifluous words nor insults, hidden nor open, because he was leaving her for the younger woman. He would give three thousand francs for Fleur; he had enjoyed their friendship together, and he wished only the best for her.
The message was accompanied by a marvelous red rose, with the black satin ribbon around the stem.