CHAPTER V.
COURTSHIP.
Marie could hardly be persuaded to come back into the sitting-room; and when she did at length come, it was only to sit silent in the corner, with one hand held behind her, and her eyes fixed steadfastly on the floor.

In vain Abby Rock tried to draw her into the conversation, telling her how she, Abby, and Mr.De Arthenay had been talking about her, and how they thought she'd better stay right on where she was for a spell, till she was all rested up, and knew what she wanted to do.
Mr.De Arthenay would be a friend to her, and no one could be a better one, as she'd find.

But Marie only said that Monsieur was very kind, and never raised her eyes to his.

De Arthenay, on his part, was no more at ease.

He could not take his eyes from the slender figure, so shrinking and modest, or the lovely downcast face.