But M.de Rosny, after gazing at me a moment in apparent doubt, put the objection aside with a degree of peevishness unusual in him, and continued to press on his arrangements as earnestly as though they did not include separation from a wife equally loving and beloved.
Having few things to look to myself, I was at leisure, when the hour of departure came, to observe both the courage with which Madame de Rosny supported her sorrow, 'for the sake of France,' and the unwonted tenderness which Mademoiselle de la Vire, lifted for once above herself, lavished on her.

I seemed to stand--happily in one light, and yet the feeling was fraught with pain--outside their familiar relations; yet, having made my adieux as short and formal as possible, that I might not encroach on other and more sacred ones, I found at the last moment something in waiting for me.

I was surprised as I rode under the gateway a little ahead of the others, by something small and light falling on the saddle-bow before me.

Catching it before it could slide to the ground, I saw, with infinite astonishment, that I held in my hand a tiny velvet bow.
To look up at the window of the parlour, which I have said was over the archway, was my first impulse.

I did so, and met mademoiselle's eyes for a second, and a second only.