Both remained silent: each apparently engrossed by thoughts which she cared not to communicate to the other.
The silence was at length abruptly broken, by an exclamation from Lucie, of "Father Gilbert!" uttered in an accent so quick and startling, that Mad.

de la Tour sprang involuntarily from her musing posture, and even the dog leaped on his feet, and looked inquiringly in her face.
"Poor Hero! I did not mean to disturb you," said Lucie, patting her dumb favorite, and rather embarrassed, that she had unwarily produced so much excitement.
"Father Gilbert!" repeated Mad.

de la Tour; "and is he coming hither again ?" "No, I saw him but an instant," said Lucie; "and he has now disappeared behind the wall." She hesitated, and still kept her eyes fixed on her aunt's face, as if wishing to ask some question, which she yet feared might not be well received.
"What would you say, Lucie ?" asked Mad.

de la Tour, with a faint smile; "I perceive there is something on your mind, which you would fain unburthen; and why should you hesitate to speak it to me ?" "Perhaps it is an idle curiosity, dear aunt," she replied; "but you asked if father Gilbert was coming hither _again_, as though he had already been here; and, I confess, I am anxious to learn if I understood you correctly ?" "You did, Lucie; and you will be more surprised when I assure you, that I held a long conference with him this morning: one too, in which _you_ are particularly concerned." "_I_ concerned! _you_ hold a conference with father Gilbert!" said Lucie, in unfeigned astonishment; "dearest aunt, I entreat you to explain yourself." "The explanation must necessarily be long, Lucie," she replied; "and as I know your feelings will be deeply excited, I fear the agitating events of this day have scarcely left you strength and spirits, to bear the recital.

To-morrow"-- "Oh, now, dear aunt!" interrupted Lucie; "I am well, indeed, and can bear any thing better than suspense.