She dropped the glasses in their case, folded the daintily gloved hands upon the rail, and for several moments gazed in silence at the coast in front. Her face, in repose, became somewhat sadder, and now there was a moisture in the eyes.
“Tell me again, Jacques, just how long it is since you were here?”
“Much can happen in eight months.”
“Yes, without doubt, but then it is to be remembered that when I was here last, in the month of September–all went well.”
“You did not see him yourself, however.”
“No, my broken ankle kept me aboard, but those who went ashore with the provisions brought a good report.”
“But they did not see him.”
“No, for he was away, probably on one of his hunting trips. But why disquiet yourself, Princess? We see the smoke rising from the chimney.”
“Yes, it is true. You have reason.”