“Jean, I cannot walk so fast,” interrupted Sidonie.

“Forgive me, little one. I forget.”

He stopped a moment for Sidonie to rest, and then they started on.

“I never remembered having seen such eyes as hers before, and such a pretty mouth, dainty figure, and glossy hair. Well, when I went out I forgot all about the fair and returned to the woods.”

Thoroughly exhausted, Sidonie said: “L’Ours, leave me here. I can go no farther.”

“Why, little one?”

“You must go on to St. Benoit to save Bruno, and I can only hinder you. I cannot walk.”

“Lean against my arm, child, and you can go better. We are just half way now. Keep up your courage, child, I cannot leave you here.”

They again started.

“Once alone, I dreamed of her at will. I was mad with love.”