Part 39 (2/2)
In the salon that evening there was dancing, and Barrington danced, but not with Jeanne.
”I dare not, mademoiselle,” he said in a whispered explanation. ”I can trust myself only to a certain point, and to touch you would be to betray my happiness. I dare not run that risk. I am bent on showing that I have no special regard for you, and that there is no reason why you should give any special thought to me.”
She did not answer, but the color was in her face, a glow was in her heart.
When the Abbe went out into the garden on the following morning Jeanne left the Marquis at once, and joined him for their usual walk. Certainly she had not given the Marquis more than five minutes of her company. The Abbe would have talked of him, but Jeanne pleaded that he should talk of something interesting.
”Upon my honor, mademoiselle, I believe you will end by disliking poor Monsieur de Castellux.”
”Would that be worth while?” Jeanne asked.
She seemed to listen eagerly to all the Abbe said to her, but she was thinking of her short conversation with Barrington. She must show no excitement.
Legrand came into the salon that night. He took no notice of Barrington, who was playing cards, totally absorbed in his game, but he watched Jeanne for a little while, and presently approached her.
”You are very brave, mademoiselle,” he said.
”Is it not best?”
”I am very grieved,” said Legrand.
”Monsieur, you have heard nothing from--from Lucien Bruslart?”
”Nothing.”
”To-morrow! Where will they take me to-morrow?”
”I do not know, mademoiselle. I am never told.”
Late hours were not kept at the Maison Legrand, candles were an expensive item. Jeanne was among the first to move this evening.
”Good night, Monsieur l'Abbe.”
”Good night, mademoiselle,” he said, raising her hand to his lips.
”To-morrow is Sat.u.r.day. I wonder who goes to-morrow? We are happy in having no anxiety.”
Barrington was by the door and opened it for her.
”Does mademoiselle permit?” and as he bent over her hand he whispered, ”Be ready. Listen. Wait until I come.”
CHAPTER XXIII
THE EMPTY HOUSE
The thought of the morrow was pleasant to Dr. Legrand. In his study he bent over a paper of calculations, figures that appealed to the greedy soul that was in him.
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