I had hurried forward without any preconceived plan of action. I had
acted altogether on the impulse of the moment, and thought only of
reaching the house, and ascertaining the state of affairs, either from
Eugenie or Aurore herself.
Thus _impromptu_ I had reached the borders of the plantation.
It now occurred to me to ride more slowly, in oder to gain a few moments
to manage my thoughts. I even halted awhile. There was a slight bend
in the river-bank, and the road crossed this like a chord to its arc.
The part cut off was a piece of waste--a common--and as there was no
fence I forsook the road, and walked my horse out on the river-bank.
There I drew up, but remained seated in my saddle.
I endeavoured to sketch out some plan of action. What should I say to
Eugenie? what to Aurore? Would the former see me after what she had
written? In her note she had said "farewell," but it was not a time to
stand upon punctilious ceremony. And if not, should I find an
opportunity to speak with Aurore? I _must_ see _her_. Who should
prevent me? I had much to say to her; my heart was full. Nothing but
an interview with my betrothed could relieve it.
Still without any definite plan, I once more turned my horse's head down
the river, used the spur, and galloped onward.
On arriving near the gate I was somewhat surprised to see two saddled
horses standing there. I instantly recognised them as the horses I had
passed on the road. They had overtaken me again while I was halted by
the bend of the river, and had arrived at the gate before me. The
saddles were now empty. The riders had gone into the house.