We should say that this building, situated at the angle of the park-walls, consisted of two rooms on the ground-floor.
It was about four o'clock—the day very cloudy, and the sky rainy and threatening. At the moment when Iris concealed herself in the thicket Arnold overtook Bertha.
Madame de Brévannes started at the sight of the prince, and turned several paces back to return to the chateau; but Arnold, taking her hand with an air of entreaty, said to her,—
"At last, then, I may have one moment's conversation with you—after two days! It would really seem as if you avoided me—me so happy at this unexpected journey. Really, Bertha, I can scarcely credit my happiness!"
"I entreat you to leave me!—I have avoided you because I am afraid——"
"Afraid of what, mon Dieu?"
"Monsieur de Hansfeld, you love me—do you not?" exclaimed Bertha, suddenly.
"Love you!—yes, indeed!"
"Well, then, do not refuse me the only favour I have ever asked of you."
"What do you mean?"