y moving in a contrary
direction.

"Yes, it's quite better now," replied the farmer, arresting his
steps.

"Where's Miss Rougeant?" questioned Jacques.

"Rummaging the house; do you want to speak to her?"

"My wife told me that there was a long time she had not seen her.
She says she is lonely and would very much like to see Miss
Rougeant. She says your daughter is so kind and so much like her
mother, that she would be very thankful if Miss Rougeant would
condescend to visit her once or twice while she is laid up."

At the mention of his wife, Mr. Rougeant felt sorrow in his heart.
He had loved once, but now, his nature was changed; he used to be
happy and full of contentment then, although a struggling young
farmer, for he had a bright, lovable and loving wife to cheer him
up.

Now he was worth ten thousand pounds, and he felt the most miserable
of men.

He stood still, the very picture of abject misery, not uttering a
single word.

"Perhaps you will not mind telling her," said Jacques, breaking the
silence.

The farmer looked up; "I shall tell her," he said, and walked away.

"Our little affair is coming off splendidly," said Adele as she
tripped into the garden to speak to Jacques. "Yes, Miss, you are so
clever, you deserve to succeed."

"We must not rejoice too soon; did you see Frank last night?"

"Yes, Miss."

"And he told you that he would come?"

"Yes, Miss; he gave me a letter for you but I must not give it to
you now, I fancy Mr. Rougeant is watching us."

"You are quite right, leave it in the stable when you go there and I
will fetch it. Has my father asked any questions?"

"Not one; he looks very sad."

"He is. It surprises me that he never questions you; he has such
confidence in you; he would never think of suspecting you."

"If he asks me any questions, I'll know how to answer them. But,"
added the workman, laughing, "I must go and see how the horse is
getting on. You will find the letter under the old saddle."

"Thank you very much for all your trouble," said Adele as she
disappeared through the doorway.

After having read the letter which she had fetched from the stable,
Adele smiled. "He will meet me near Jacques' cottage at six o'clock
this evening," she said to herself. "I must try and hide my joy as
much as I can, for my father will grow suspicious if he reads my
happiness."

She had to keep a continual vigilance to prevent herself from
smiling during the day. When eve