Maurice remarked, not without surprise, that she was bare-headed, and that she had neither shawl nor scarf about her shoulders.
As she reached the edge of the wood, he sprang toward her, and catching her hand raised it to his lips.
But this hand, which she had so often yielded to him, was now gently withdrawn, with so sad a gesture that he could not help feeling there was no hope.
"I came, Maurice," she began, "because I could not endure the thought of your anxiety.

By doing so I have betrayed my father's confidence--he was obliged to leave home.

I hastened here.

And yet I promised him, only two hours ago, that I would never see you again.

You hear me--never!" She spoke hurriedly, but Maurice was appalled by the firmness of her accent.
Had he been less agitated, he would have seen what a terrible effort this semblance of calmness cost the young girl.