een the curtains of a deep window. She
was talking with Count de Chaumont and an officer in uniform. Her face
pulsed a rosiness like that quiver in winter skies which we call
northern lights. The clothes she wore, being always subdued by her head
and shoulders, were not noticeable like other women's clothes. But I
knew as soon as her eyes rested on me that she found me changed.

De Chaumont came a step to meet me, and I felt miraculously equal to
him, with some power which was not in me before.

"You scoundrel, you have fallen into luck!" he said heartily.

"One of our proverbs is, 'A blind pig will find an acorn once in a
while.'"

"There isn't a better acorn in the woods, or one harder to shake down.
How did you do it?"

I gave him a wise smile and held my tongue; knowing well that if I had
remained in Ste. Pelagie and the fact ever came to De Chaumont's ears,
like other human beings he would have reprehended my plunging into the
world.

"We are getting on tremendously, Lazarre! When your inheritance falls
in, come back with me to Castorland. We will found a wilderness empire!"

I did not inquire what he meant by my inheritance falling in. The
marquis pressed behind me, and when I had spoken to Madame de Ferrier I
knew it was his right to take the hand of the woman who had been his
little neighbor.

"You don't remember me, madame?"

"Oh, yes, I do, Monsieur du Plessy; and your wall fruit, too!"

"The rogue! Permit me to tell you those pears are hastening to be ready
for you once more."

"And Bichette, monsieur--is dear old Bichette alive?"

"She is alive, and draws the chair as well as ever. I hear you have a
little son. He may love the old pony and chair as you used to love
them."

"Seeing you, monsieur, is like coming again to my home!"

"I trust you may come soon."

They spoke of fruit and cattle. Neither dared mention the name of any
human companion associated with the past.

I took opportunity to ask Count de Chaumont if her lands were recovered.
A baffled look troubled his face.

"The emperor will see her to-night," he answered. "It is impossible to
say what can be done until the emperor sees her."

"Is there any truth in the story that he will marry her to the officer
who holds her estate?"

The count frowned.

"No--no! That's impossible."

"Will the officer sell his rights if Madame de Ferrier's are not
acknowledged?"

"I have thought of that. And I want to consult the marquis."