They passed over to the rectory.

Just inside the gate, Gaston saw a figure issue from the house, and come quickly towards them.
It was the rector, excited, anxious.
Gaston motioned silence, and pointed to her.

Then he briefly whispered how she had come.

The clergyman said that he had felt uneasy about her, had gone to her room, and was just issuing in search of her.

Gaston resigned her, softly advised not waking her, and bade the clergyman good-night.
But presently he turned, touched the arm of the old man, and said meaningly: "I know." The rector's voice shook as he replied: "You have not spoken to her ?" "No." "You will not speak of it ?" "No." "Unless I should die, and she should wish it ?" "Always as she wishes." They parted, and Gaston returned to the Court..