In reality, like Suzanne, Philippe wanted to go home alone, so that nothing might disturb the melancholy charm of his dream. Old Morestal's long speeches terrified him.
"As you please, my boy," cried the old man. "But mind you don't put up the bolt or the chain on the hall-door."
Jorancé impressed the same injunctions on Suzanne and the two walked away.
"Good-bye, Philippe," said the girl, once again.
He had already entered the path on the right.
"Good-bye, Suzanne," he said.
"Give me your hand, Philippe."
For his hand to reach Suzanne's, he had to turn two or three steps back. He hesitated. But she had come towards him and, very gently, drew him to the foot of the path:
"Philippe, we must not part like this.... It is too sad! Let us go back together to Saint-Élophe ... as far as the house.... Please do...."
"No," he said, curtly.