Suddenly rising, she threw it hastily aside, exclaiming as she went towards an open window, "O! this interminable drought! It makes me feel so miserable and restless. Does it not oppress you, ma chère mère?"
Mrs. Dubois started suddenly, as Adèle spoke.
"Ah! yes. It is very wearisome", she replied.
"Ma mère, I have disturbed you. Of what were you thinking when I spoke?"
"Thinking of the chateau de Rossillon and its inmates. It is very long since we have had news of them. I am much troubled about the dear friends. It would be like rain on the parched ground, could I once more hear my uncle's voice. The good, kind old man!"
"Never fear, ma mère. You shall hear it. I have a plan that will soon take us all to Picardy. You smile, but do I not accomplish my little schemes? Do not ask me, please, how I shall do it. The expedition is not wholly matured".
"Not wholly matured, indeed!" said Mrs. Dubois, with an incredulous smile.
"Nevertheless, it will take place, ma mère. But not this week. In the mean time, I am going to invite the gentlemen, who are doubtless moping in Mr. Brown's room, as we are here, to come in and examine that curiously illuminated missal of yours. How agreeable Mr. Brown is, now that he is getting well! Don't you think so? And Mr. Norton is as good and radiant as a seraph! No doubt, they are pining with homesickness, just as you are, and will be glad of our society".
Adèle left the room, and soon returned, accompanied by the two individuals, of whom she had gone in search.