A feeling of delicate consideration toward her lover had impelled her to choose for her explanation any other place than the one where she had first received his declaration of love, and consented to the marriage.

Very soon he came in sight, his stalwart figure outlined against the gray landscape.

He was walking rapidly; her heart smote her, her hands became like ice, but she summoned all her fortitude, and went bravely forward to meet him.
When he came within forty or fifty feet, he recognized Reine, and took a short cut across the stubble studded with cobwebs glistening with dew.
"Aha! my Reine, my queen, good-morning!" cried he, joyously, "it is sweet of you to come to meet me!" "Good-morning, Claudet.

I came to meet you because I wish to speak with you on matters of importance, and I preferred not to have the conversation take place in our house.

Shall we walk as far as the Planche-au-Vacher ?" He stopped short, astonished at the proposal and also at the sad and resolute attitude of his betrothed.