The short cut had served her.

She was hardly out of breath this time; and she appeared composed and in good spirits.
"I thought for a moment you'd forgotten me, but I knew you wouldn't do that, Mr.Aycon." Could I resist such trust?
"Forget you, madame ?" I cried.

"I would as soon forget--" "So I knew you'd wait for me." "Here I am, waiting faithfully," said I.
"That's right," said the duchess.

"Take this, please, Mr.Aycon." "This" was a small handbag.

She gave it to me, and began to walk toward the cart, where Jean was placidly smoking a long black cheroot.
"You wished to speak to me ?" I suggested, as I walked by her.
"I can do it," said the duchess, reaching the cart, "as we go along." Even Jean took his cheroot from his lips.