"I wouldn't distress you, Cristel, for the whole world," I said--and left her to conclude that I had felt the influence of her entreaties in the right way.

She tried to thank me; the tears rose in her eyes--she signed to me to leave her, poor soul, as if she felt ashamed of herself.

I was shocked; I was grieved; I was more than ever secretly resolved to go back to her.

When we said good-bye--I have been told that I did wrong; I meant no harm--I kissed her.
Having traversed the short distance between the cottage and the wood, I remembered that I had left my walking-stick behind me, and returned to get it.
Cristel was leaving the kitchen; I saw her at the door which communicated with the Lodger's side of the cottage.

Her back was turned towards me; astonishment held me silent.