A few days afterwards found him walking near "Les Marches," hoping to meet Adèle Rougeant. He was not successful. Still, he continued his visits, hoping to meet her some day.
He was at last rewarded for his pains. On turning a sharp corner he suddenly met her. The meeting was so unexpected that Frank's nervous system was quite upset. He had come hoping to talk to her. He was to enquire about Mr. Rougeant's health.
But now, his courage failed him. He raised his hat, his lips muttered a faint: "How d'ye do?" he smiled in a ludicrous manner and passed on. The young girl who thought he was about his business bowed and went on her way. "He might have said a few words," she thought.
Frank was vexed with himself.
He thought of retracing his steps, but after a moment's reflection he decided not to do so.
The weather began to look threatening. The sun was setting. Huge black clouds were rising from the horizon while an occasional flash of lightning announced the approach of the coming storm.
Frank hastened as fast as he could toward the Rohais. But, he had not gone very far before a heavy shower overtook him.
After all his pains, the only thing which he at last secured was a thorough drenching.
When he came back home, he was down-hearted. Next morning he, however, determined to make one more attempt.
A few days afterwards saw him leisurely promenading round the farm of "Les Marches." It was in the evening and the moon was rising.