of her friends. When the mists
closed round us, we ceased to regret the decision, if we had regretted
it; for instead of seeing Savoy spread out beneath us, with its snow
mountains and fertile valleys, lit with azure lakes--as many as the
Graces--we should have been wrapped in cloud blankets.

After a walk of thirty-two kilometres, we came to Chatelard, and,
having known little or nothing of the town, we were surprised to find
that most other people knew of it as a great centre for excursions.
It was almost as unbelievable as that the places where we lived could
possibly go on existing in exactly the same way during our absence.

"There are actually three hotels, all said to be good," I remarked,
quoting from my guide-book. "To which shall we go?"

The Boy hesitated. "Choose which you like, for yourself," he replied
with a slight appearance of embarrassment. "As for me, I will make up
my mind--later."

I could take this in but one way: as a snub. Evidently he had selected
this fashion of intimating to me the change that Gaeta's intrusion had
worked in our relations. I bit back a sharp word or two which I might
have regretted by-and-bye, and answered not at all. In consequence of
this little passage, however, the Boy went to one hotel, and I to
another, where I put Joseph up also.

A sense of loneliness was upon me, therefore my conscience stirred
uneasily, and I reproached myself in that of late I had neglected the
affairs of my muleteer. At one time he and I had conversed at length
on such subjects as mules, women, perdition, and the like; but for
many days now our intercourse had consisted mostly of a "Good morning,
Joseph!" "Good morning, Monsieur!"

To-night I sent for him, and enquired whether he had anything to wish
for.

"Ah, Monsieur, there is but one thing for which I ask at present," he
said.

"Anything I can manage, Joseph?"

"I fear not, Monsieur. It is the assurance that the poor young soul I
am trying to lead out of darkness may reach the light before we have
to part."

"Innocentina's?"

"The same, Monsieur."

"You think her conversion within sight?"

"Just round the corner, if I may so express it."

"Yet I hear that she tells her employer she is devoting all her
energies towards saving you from eternal fire. It was her excuse for
letting the bag drop off Souris' back without noticing it, and for
allowing Fanny's saddle to chafe."

"Ah, Monsieur, women are ready with excuses. Do you th