"You give me fresh courage," replied the chevalier.
"And now, Gaston, one word more. When shall you leave?"
"To-morrow at this time, marquis, I shall probably be thirty leagues on the way to Paris."
"Come back and let us embrace, and say adieu."——"With pleasure."
Gaston retraced his steps, and was embraced cordially by each of the chevaliers, who did not turn away till they saw that he had arrived safely at the end of his perilous journey.
CHAPTER IV.
SHOWING HOW CHANCE ARRANGES SOME MATTERS BETTER THAN PROVIDENCE.
In spite of the cracking of the ice, Gaston pursued his way boldly, and perceived, with a beating heart, that the winter rains had raised the waters of the little lake, so that he might possibly be able to reach the window.
He was not mistaken; on giving the signal, the window was opened, then a head appeared nearly at the level of his own, and a hand touched his; it was the first time. Gaston seized it, and covered it with kisses.
"Gaston, you have come, in spite of the cold, and on the ice; I told you in my letter not to do so."