But prudence dismissed the notion.

Before he could reach her, he must be seen by servants, and word of his presence would go forth.
There was no choice for him; he must tramp as far as Chavagne, find a bed there, and leave to-morrow until it dawned.

On the resolve he set his face in the direction whence he had come.

But again he paused.
Chavagne lay on the road to Rennes.

To go that way was to plunge further into danger.