And from his window he watched two black shadows fleeing toward Saint-Amé.
CHAPTER XIX.
A FIRST MEETING.
Just as Fanfar mounted his horse, an incident occurred which passed unperceived by the others.
Irène went up to the groom who held her horse, and with the air of giving him some directions, she said to Fanfar, in a low voice:
"Are you not wounded? Are you not risking your life to save that of your father?" She emphasized the word father, as if to make amends for having previously called him master.
"I am always ready to die for those I love!" answered Fanfar, as he examined the animal with attention.
Irène was silent for a moment. She admired the courage and the devotion of this man, but was at the same time irritated at the attraction she felt toward him. Obeying her sarcastic impulse, she said, quickly: