"It would be as well," I assented, "if you do not deem it too early?"
"Oh, no! besides, I have business in Bringiers that will occupy me all
the day."
"Ah!"
"Doubt not my return to meet you. I am certain to procure either horses
or a carriage. Half-an-hour after twilight you will find me at the end
of the bye-road. Fear not, Monsieur! I have a strong presentiment that
for you all will yet be well. For _me_--ah!"
A deep sigh escaped him as he uttered the last phrase.
What did it mean? Was he mocking me? Had this strange youth a secret
beyond _my_ secret? Did he _know_ that Aurore loved _him_? Was he so
confident--so sure of her heart, that he recked not thus leaving her
alone with me? Was he playing with me as the tiger with its victim?
Were _both_ playing with me?
These horrid thoughts crowding up, prevented me from making a definite
rejoinder to his remarks. I muttered something about hope, but he
seemed hardly to heed my remark. For some reason he was evidently
desirous of being gone; and bidding Aurore and myself adieu, he turned
abruptly off, and with quick, light steps, threaded his way through the
woods.
With my eyes I followed his retreating form, until it was hidden by the
intervening branches. I felt relief that he was gone. I could have
wished that he was gone for ever. Despite the need we had of his
assistance--despite the absolute necessity for his return--at that
moment I could have wished that we should never see him again!