Good-night, mademoiselle, as you no longer have need of me." Now, standing in the midst of this efflorescence of linen that shone on the green grass, Angelique thought of that other day, when, in the tempest of wind, among the flapping of the sheets and tablecloths, they unfolded so ingenuously the secrets of their lives to each other.

Why had he discontinued his visits to her?
Why had he not come to meet her during her healthy exercise of the past three days?
But it would not be long before she would run to him, and when he had clasped her in his arms, he would know well that he was hers, and hers only.

She would not even need to reproach him for his apparent weakness; it would be enough for her to show herself to make him realise that their happiness was in being together.
He would dare everything for her sake when once she had rejoined him.
An hour passed, and Angelique walked slowly between the pieces of linen, all white herself from the blinding reflection of the sun; and a confused sentiment awoke in her breast, which, growing stronger and stronger, prevented her from going over to the gate, as she had wished to do.

She was frightened before this commencement of a struggle.

What did it mean?
She certainly could act according to her own will.