My reflections were interrupted by the neighing of my horse. I glanced
forward to ascertain the cause. I was opposite the plantation Besancon.
A carriage was just wheeling out from the gate. The horses were headed
down the Levee road, and going off at a trot, were soon lost behind the
cloud of dust raised by the hoofs and wheels.
I recognised the carriage. It was the barouche of Mademoiselle
Besancon. I could not tell who were its occupants, though, from the
slight glimpse I had got of them, I saw there were ladies in it.
"Mademoiselle herself, accompanied by Aurore, no doubt."
I believed that they had not observed me, as the high fence concealed
all but my head, and the carriage had turned abruptly on passing out of
the gate.
I felt disappointed. I had had my ride for nothing, and might now ride
back again to Bringiers.
I had drawn bridle with this intent, when it occurred to me I could
still overtake the carriage and change words with its occupants. With
_her_, even the interchange of a glance was worth such a gallop.