"What is it?" he thought. "What has altered her of late? She is not the same girl she was two weeks ago. Has she fallen in love, I wonder? Not likely, I should think; and yet—"
He walked off, revolving the question, to the house, while Rose was rapidly shortening the distance between herself and her beloved. Old Jacques was leaning over the gate as she rode up, and took off his hat with Canadian courtesy to the young lady.
"Is Mr. Reinecourt in, Mr. Jacques?" asked Rose, preparing to dismount.
Jacques lifted his eyebrows in polite surprise.
"Doesn't Mademoiselle know, then?"
"Know what?"
"That Monsieur has gone?"
"Gone?"
"Yes, Mademoiselle, half an hour ago. Gone for good."
"But he will come back?" said Rose, faintly, her heart seeming suddenly to stop beating.