And the more he tried to banish these thoughts, the more forcibly they returned.

The thought that Micheline had forgotten her promise made the blood rush to his face.
Madame Desvarennes's short letter suggested it.

That his betrothed was lost to him he understood, but he would not admit it.

How was it possible that Micheline should forget him?
All his childhood passed before his mind.

He remembered the sweet and artless evidences of affection which the young girl had given him.