At the end of the enclosure, he pushed open a little gate, and came abruptly out on the forest path.
On beholding him standing in advance of her, the young girl appeared more surprised than displeased.

After a momentary hesitation, she walked quietly toward him.
"Mademoiselle Reine," said he then, gently, "will you allow me to accompany you as far as La Thuiliere ?" "Certainly," she replied, briefly.
She felt a presentiment that something decisive was about to take place between her and Julien, and her voice trembled as she replied.

Profiting by the tacit permission, de Buxieres walked beside Reine; the path was so narrow that their garments rustled against each other, yet he did not seem in haste to speak, and the silence was interrupted only by the occasional flight of a bird, or the crackling of some falling branches.
"Reine," said Julien, suddenly, "you have so often and so kindly extended to me the hand of friendship, that I have decided to speak frankly, and open my heart to you.

I love you, Reine, and have loved you for a long time.

But I have been so accustomed to hide what I think, I know so little how to conduct myself in the varying circumstances of life, and I have so much mistrust of myself, that I never have dared to tell you before now.