In a month we shall be at Cormeilles." He shook his head in sign of refusal.

She looked fixedly at him, and said, "It must be so." This look, these words, sent to Count Abel's brain such a thrill of joy and of hope that for a moment he thought he had betrayed himself.

He nearly fell on his knees before Mlle.

Moriaz, but, speedily mastering his emotions, he bowed gravely, casting down his eyes.

She herself immediately resumed her usual voice and manner, and questioned him on his journey.