New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-21
VIII.

For an hour he walked atmlessly, often barring
his hair TO the cold sea-wind. Then he went back
10 the Place St. Armand, and from under the shrine
at the corner watched her lighted window: linen
he went home, and until long past midnight sat
without moving. Mademoiselle seemed TO be near
him. He recalled every event OF the day. Inc
pleasant sunlight in the woods the merry n9nsense
Of the lunch at St. Pierre, the homeward walk
the distant heaving waters. Inc blood surGed ike
fire through his veins; he bowed down his face
and groaned aloud 49,,
Day by day he had maintained a secret battle
frightened ie and saddened SIademoiselle was evi
dence of the bitter struggle, though she did not
know this. If ne had some one TO love, she had
said mentally he would not be so stern She de-
ceived herself. 1t was because he wrestled with
passion that threatened to overwheln his reason
that he wore so often the mask Of sternness.
Early in the morning he left RocheVlue for
Rouen. Madame, when she found his bed undls
turbed, said 10 her husband that Monsieur must
" Mademoiseiie woke from a ntful sleep with
her head aching, She waited anXiously put
Rqo1 did not 1t Im was sS pass Showed Tada1 TO
her note he had received.
1T is necessary for me to 60 to Rouen," 1t ran,
and shall probably remain there for rev days
pliments and good wishes to Mademoiseue Elise
when she departs for Paris.
As Madem0iselle read she grew cold and shud-
dered.
NJ Lorman eyed the untouched food on the
table and smiled silly.
You have won" he said. Il am your debtor.
What is TO be the Forfeit"
~ am not well to-day" she answered peevshly.
Don't be stupid, please. What was 1T that you
came to sce me about"
lie looked embarrassed, and replied hastily.
"Nothing-l was passing, and called IN on my
way TO meet Augustin. / dare not stay. He will
be waiting for me: am sorry you are H. You
must rest GOod-by."
In the street he took out his snuff-box and ex-
citedy inhaled two large pinches.
"Parbleu!" he muttered; II has surprised me.
didn't think il possible
Msdcmoiselle went to her bedroom and locked
the door as If TO shut all the world out from her.
Then she cast herself down and sObbed as If her
heart would break why did nc not come TO
me ?7 She moancd why did lie not let me
know ?-l cannot live without him"
At R0uen Raoul engaged n room at the Hotel
lie Bordeaux. Then he started OF TO visit N.
Jerome Perrin, but turned aside and went into
the country instead The peasants saluted him
as they passed, but he did not reply. Az times
he talked half aloud and laughed bitterly
Once he paused abruptly. 10 occurred TO HIM
af PehaP e5 o a Ms own E1H &od Tag S
forgotten what had happened and was wondering
what had become of him. must write 10 her,
he said And the idea that he was acting un-
accountably strengthened itself in his mind, and
gradually he regained the mastery Of himself.
Was IL not stupid, he thought, 10 suspect that
Madcmoiscllc had discerneu his secret. lie had
guarded it 50 carefully; he had never given the
least sign-until her eyes robbed him Of his self
control But TO think that she should for a
moment dream that n hunchbacil would dare
clearly again.
Half an hour later he turned and walked back
10 R0ucn paid his bill ut the Hotel de Bordeaux,
drove TO the station and took the train to Roche
VILE lie had resolved 70 explain 10 Mademoiselle
that he had been called Unexpectedly away.
W. Lorman frowncd when Jacques came TO tell
him that Monsieur Raoul had been able 10 return.
II was dark when Nademoiscllc pale and
trembling rose from her bed, her face wet with
tears She lighted "a candle and began 10 write.
Note after note she altered and destroyed. When
at length she had written one to her liking, she
sealed il up Then she put on her cloak and went
down toward the Rue Louise.