Old Jacques was leaning over the gate as she rode up, and took off his hat with Canadian courtesy to the young lady.
"Is Mr.Reinecourt in, Mr.Jacques ?" asked Rose, preparing to dismount.
Jacques lifted his eyebrows in polite surprise.
"Doesn't Mademoiselle know, then ?" "Know what ?" "That Monsieur has gone ?" "Gone ?" "Yes, Mademoiselle, half an hour ago.

Gone for good." "But he will come back ?" said Rose, faintly, her heart seeming suddenly to stop beating.
Old Jacques shook his head.
"No, Mam'selle.

Monsieur has paid me like a king, shook hands with Margot and me, and gone forever." There was a dead pause.

Rose clutched her bridle-rein, and felt the earth spinning under her, her face growing-white and cold.
"Did he leave no message--no message for me ?" She could barely utter the words, the shock, the consternation were so great.

Something like a laugh shone in old Jacques' eyes.
"No, Mademoiselle, he never spoke of you.