"It is worse for me; it has been done by my own stupidity. But in those days I didn't know you—"
"Oh, if you are thinking of breaking it to me—only tell me which day!
To-morrow?" She moved up close to him.
"Not to-morrow! No, no," he said, almost relieved that it was better than she feared. "In five days, in five days. Oh, this brings it before me! I have no wish now for that release for which I have longed. Fanny, it is only a change, not a parting!"
Alfred's voice called sharply from without. "You must come, mademoiselle!
Julien, bring her!"
"One instant. She is coming. Fanny, I must think it out. Until I go—I shall have time—we will get you sent to Charleville, and Charleville I must come often to see my land and my factory."
"How often?"
"Often, I must—"
"How often?"
"Once a week at last. Perhaps more often. If we can only manage that!"
"Julien!" Alfred returned and stood again in the doorway. "This is absurd. I can never get to the river if you keep her."