Some one was riding, galloping that way.

He was returned at last.

She leaned on the battlements, her breath coming in quick, short gasps, and watched the horseman growing larger with every stride of his horse.
A mist was rising from the river, and it dimmed the figure; and she cursed the mist for heightening her anxiety, for straining further her impatience.

Then a new fear was begotten in her mind.

Why came one horseman only where two should have ridden?
Who was it that returned, and what had befallen his companion?
God send, at least, it might be Marius who rode thus, at such a breakneck pace.
At last she could make him out.