Bending low among the shrubs, I ran hotfoot to the point where Madame had entered the wood.

Here I found a narrow path, and ran nimbly along it, and presently saw her grey robe fluttering among the trees before me.
It only remained to keep out of her sight and give her no chance of discovering that she was followed; and this I set myself to do.

Once or twice she glanced round, but the wood was of beech, the light which passed between the leaves was mere twilight, and my clothes were dark-coloured.

I had every advantage, therefore, and little to fear as long as I could keep her in view and still remain myself at such a distance that the rustle of my tread would not disturb her.
Assured that she was on her way to meet her husband, whom my presence kept from the house, I felt that the crisis had come at last, and I grew more excited with each step I took.

I detested the task of watching her; it filled me with peevish disgust.