her young mistress? Was my bride for sale on any terms? But even if
money should be deemed an equivalent, would Mademoiselle _sell_ her to
_me_? An odd proposal, that of buying _her_ slave for my wife! What
would Eugenie Besancon think of it?

The very idea of this proposal awed me; but the time to make it had not
yet arrived.

I must first have an interview with Aurore, demand a confession of her
love, and then, if she consent to become mine,--_my wife_,--the rest may
be arranged. I see not clearly the way, but a love like mine will
triumph over everything. My passion nerves me with power, with courage,
with energy. Obstacles must yield; opposing wills be coaxed or crushed;
everything must give way that stands between myself and my love!
"Aurore! I come! I come!"

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

A SURPRISE.

My reflections were interrupted by the neighing of my horse. I glanced
forward to ascertain the cause. I was opposite the plantation Besancon.
A carriage was just wheeling out from the gate. The horses were headed
down the Levee road, and going off at a trot, were soon lost behind the
cloud of dust raised by the hoofs and wheels.

I recognised the carriage. It was the barouche of Mademoiselle
Besancon. I could not tell who were its occupants, though, from the
slight glimpse I had got of them, I saw there were ladies in it.

"Mademoiselle herself, accompanied by Aurore, no doubt."

I believed that they had not observed me, as the high fence concealed
all but my head, and the carriage had turned abruptly on passing out of
the gate.

I felt disappointed. I had had my ride for nothing, and might now ride
back again to Bringiers.

I had drawn bridle with this intent, when it occurred to me I could
still overtake the carriage and change words with its occupants. With
_her_, even the interchange of a glance was worth such a gallop.

I laid the spur to the ribs of my horse and sprang him forward.

As I came opposite the house I saw Scipio by the gate. He was just
closing it after the carriage.

"Oh!" thought I, "I may as well be sure as to whom I am galloping
after."

With this idea I inclined my horse's head a little, and drew up in front
of Scipio.

"Gollies! how young mass'r ride! Ef he don't do daat business jes up to
de hub! Daat 'im do. Wugh!"

Without taking notice of his complimentary speech, I inquired hastily if
Mademoiselle was at home.

"No, mass'r, she jes dis moment gone