"It is plain that we are getting out in the right time," thought the baron.
[CHAPTER XIII.]
NICOLE'S DOWER.
Nicole aided her young mistress in her traveling preparations with ardor which speedily dissipated the cloud risen that morning between maid and mistress. The latter smiled as she found that she would have no need to scold her.
"She is a good, devoted girl and grateful," she mused; "only she has weaknesses, like all womankind. Let us forget."
On her part, Nicole was not the girl not to watch her mistress' face, and she saw the kindliness increasing.
"I was a fool nearly to get into a scrape with her for that rascal Gilbert, when she is going to town, where everybody makes a fortune."
"Put my lace in my box. Stop! I gave you that box, I remember; and you will want it, as you are going to set up housekeeping."
"Oh, my lady," said Nicole, reddening, and replying merrily, "my wedding garments will be easily kept in no great space."