How I love her, love her! I have kissed the air she leaves
in passing by. Oh! I will solve this enchanting mystery. I have the
right now; I am rich, and young."
It will be seen that the gods favor those who go forward.
By the wall of the Ursulines stood a rustic bench, and upon this bench
sat madame. She was waiting for Anne, who was paying her usual morning
devotions under the guidance of the Mother Superior. Madame was not
very busy with her eyes, and the jeweled miniature which she held in
her hand seemed no longer to attract her. The odor of rose and
heliotrope pervaded the gently stirring air. From the convent garden
came the melting lilt of the golden oriole. By and by madame's gaze
returned to the miniature. For a brief space poppies burned in her
cheeks and the seed smoldered in her eyes. Then, as if the circlet of
gold and gems was distasteful to her sight, she hastily thrust it into
the bosom of her gown. Madame had not slept well of late; there were
shadows under her lovely eyes.
All this while the Chevalier watched her. Several times he put forward
a foot, only to draw it back. This, however, could not go on
indefinitely, so, summoning all his courage, he took a firm step,
another, and another, and there was now no retreating save
ignominiously.
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