died something of almost everything and imagined
himself a savant.

From this it must not be inferred that he was uneducated.

But, he lacked that knowledge of the world which is only acquired by
mixing with the world.

CHAPTER XV.

DARK DAYS.

It was winter, dull winter, when nature rests and green fields are
no more.

There was not much work to do now in the greenhouses at "the
Rohais."

Frank was one evening taking a walk towards the Catel Church.

He had some business to settle with his carpenter, who lived near
"Woodlands."

Presently, a man who had dogged his steps for some time, exclaimed:
"It's you, Mr. Mathers, I thought it was."

Turning round, Frank recognised Jacques, Mr. Rougeant's workman. He
thought his heart had stopped beating, so sudden was the thrill of
satisfaction that shook its tendrils.

"Yes, it is I," he at last answered; and he shook hands with Jacques
as if he had been his most intimate friend.

"He was so glad to see him," he said. "And how are they all at 'Les
Marches,'" he inquired.

"Oh, jolly-like," said the man who had boasted that he could speak
English; "the squire's in a reg'lar good mood this week."

"Indeed!" said Frank.

"Well, you see, it's no wonder after all; the young Miss's engaged
to a young fellow; Tom Soher, I think his name is. I don't like the
look o' the chap. He used to drink and there's no sayin'----."

He stopped short on perceiving Frank who was leaning against the
wall for support; his face of an ashen hue.

Jacques eyed him anxiously. "One'd say you'd be ill," he remarked.

"I don't feel exactly well," said Frank.

"Shall I see you home?"

"No, thank you, I can easily walk there."

"I think I'd better come with you; I know my missus'l be waitin' for
me, but I'll come if you think I must."

"No, thank you," again responded Frank; "there are a great many
people about----. There! I feel slightly better."

"As you like," said Jacques, who by-the-by was not in the least
inclined to accompany the young man.

"I'll go alone," said Frank; "Good-night."

"Good-night, Sir, I hope you'll be better soon," said Jacques, as
each one betook himself towards his home.

Frank was completely weighed down with this piece of unexpected and
unwelcome news. He did not go to the carpenter's residence; he
forgot all about it. He went straight home. How he arrived there,
which road he took, which door he entered by, he did not know; but
he found