You may be very sure, therefore, that I had no desire for a formal
leave-taking at her departure. I took my hat and cloak, therefore, and
stole out quietly.
My ramble was a sequestered one, and well screened, even at this late
season, with foliage; the pathway devious among the stems of old trees, and
its flooring interlaced and groined with their knotted roots. Though near
the house, it was a sylvan solitude; a little brook ran darkling and
glimmering through it, wild strawberries and other woodland plants strewed
the ground, and the sweet notes and flutter of small birds made the shadow
of the boughs cheery.
I had been fully an hour in this picturesque solitude when I heard in the
distance the ring of carriage-wheels, announcing to me that Madame de la
Rougierre had fairly set out upon her travels. I thanked heaven; I could
have danced and sung with delight; I heaved a great sigh and looked up
through the branches to the clear blue sky.
But things are oddly timed. Just at this moment I heard Madame's voice
close at my ear, and her large bony hand was laid on my shoulder. We were
instantly face to face--I recoiling, and for a moment speechless with
fright.
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