"Arnold hastened—the foliage shook, and, a few yards from them a kid bounded by."
Arnold listened, and then heard some branches crackle in the thick bushes of box and holly. In spite of a difficulty of penetrating this solid hedge, Arnold was about to plunge into it, when the noise increased, the foliage shook, and, a few yards from them, a kid bounded forth and crossed their path. Arnold could not repress a burst of laughter, and said to Bertha,—
"This was your spy!"
The young lady, somewhat reassured, took Arnold's arm, and they were now only a few paces from the châlet.
"Well, poor little trembler!" said Arnold.
"I beseech you not to laugh at me—I am a believer in presentiments—God sends them to us."
"But why? because your husband seems returning towards you with better feelings, should you be alarmed? Suppose even that this kindness is assumed to ensnare you in some way, what have you to fear? What can he surprise? After all, what do I ask but to enjoy fairly what he freely offered to me—the passing of a few days near you? I swear to you, not answering what my wishes may be hereafter, but as I am at this moment the happiest of men, I ask nothing beyond this; the present is so delightful, so sweet, that it would be profanation to think of more."
The rain increased in violence. The day which had been all along very gloomy was nearly at its close.
Bertha and the prince entered the châlet.