“To my great surprise, when she spoke it was in so much different and more gentle a tone that I could have gone on my knees to her, so great was my gratitude for a little kindness!
“‘Oh, Monsieur, I believe you are honest,’ she said, gently. ‘I will listen to what you have to say.’
“‘Ah, Madame, you are good!’ I cried from my heart. ‘I am sure your good opinion will be strengthened when you hear all.’ 95
“Then did I pour out my story, while the good soul listened attentively, nodding now and then or uttering little exclamations of surprise or sympathy. ‘And, oh, Madame,’ I finished, ‘if you have seen her; if, as I believe, she is here, I beg you, take me to her. Let me but see her, and all, I am convinced, will be well.’
“Then, what was my great horror, my boundless despair, when the good woman slowly and sadly shook her head, saying, in a voice full of sympathy and commiseration, ‘How loath I am to shatter your hopes and add more trouble to your already much overheavy sorrows, you cannot know, Monsieur, but I fear I can give you little encouragement.’
“‘Ah, Madame,’ I cried, wildly, beseechingly, ‘surely, you cannot be so cruel; surely, you must give me some hope! If Jeanette is not here now, surely, you have heard from her, seen her, can give me some clue to her present whereabouts!’
“It seemed to me as though she hesitated for the fraction of a second, but when her answer came, though gentle and sympathetic as before, it contained decision and finality which I could not but respect.
“‘Monsieur, she is not here, and neither have I seen her.’
“‘Merci, Madame,’ I murmured, wearily, and was turning away with sinking heart and feet that seemed weighted with lead, when she called to me softly:
“‘Monsieur is weary. Will he not rest and partake of some refreshment before continuing his journey?’