The longer he had been away from Granpere without tidings from any one there, the less possible had it been that he should send tidings from himself to his old home.

He had not expected messages.

He had not expected any letter.

But when nothing came, he told himself over and over again that he too would be silent, and would bide his time.

Then Edmond Greisse had come to Colmar, and brought the first rumour of Adrian Urmand's proposal of marriage.
The reader will perhaps remember that George, when he heard this first rumour, had at once made up his mind to go over to Granpere, and that he went.