to have summoned him; for at that moment the good
doctor entered the room, and became the confidant of my wishes.

I had not misjudged him. His purse lay open upon the table; and I
became his debtor for as much of its contents as I stood in need of.

"Very strange!" said he, "this desire of hurrying you off on the part of
Monsieur Gayarre. There is something more in it than solicitude for the
character of the lady. Something more: what can it all mean?"

The doctor said this partly in soliloquy, and as if searching his own
thoughts for an answer.

"I am almost a stranger to Mademoiselle Besancon," he continued, "else I
should deem it my duty to know more of this matter. But Monsieur
Gayarre is her guardian; and if he desire you to leave, it will perhaps
be wiser to do so. _She may not be her own mistress entirely_. Poor
thing! I fear there is debt at the bottom of the mystery; and if so,
she will be more a slave than any of her own people. Poor young lady!"

Reigart was right. My remaining longer might add to her embarrassments.
I felt satisfied of this.

"I am desirous to go at once, doctor."

"My barouche is at the gate, then. You can have a seat in it. I can
set you down at the hotel."

"Thanks, thanks! the very thing I should have asked of you, and I accept
your offer. I have but few preparations to make, and will be ready for
you in a moment."

"Shall I step over to the house, and prepare Mademoiselle for your
departure?"

"Be so kind. I believe Gayarre is now there?"

"No. I met him near the gate of his own plantation, returning home. I
think she is alone. I shall see her and return for you."

The doctor left me, and walked over to the house. He was absent but a
few minutes, when he returned to make his report. He was still further
perplexed at what he had learnt.

Mademoiselle had heard from Gayarre, just an hour before, that _I had
expressed my intention_ of removing to the hotel! She had been
surprised at this, as I had said nothing about it at our late interview.
She would not hear of it at first, but Gayarre had used _arguments_ to
convince her of the policy of such a step; and the doctor, on my part,
had also urged it. She had at length, though reluctantly, consented.
Such was the report of the doctor, who further informed me that she was
waiting to receive me.

Guided by Scipio, I made my way to the drawing-room. I found her
seated; but upon my entrance she rose, and c