"I think so, as she didn't come to-day."
"Wait for her and tell her that you are going to the country; then come to me, and we will start together."
"Very good. I will go home to make my preparations, and to-morrow I will call for you. O rus! quando te aspiciam?"
"I can guess what that means. You will see the fields to-morrow, my friend."
On reaching home, I gave orders to Pomponne to prepare for our departure. I might take very few things to Fontenay, and send him to Paris whenever I needed anything. But that was just what I wanted to avoid, because I was acquainted with Monsieur Pomponne's loquacity.
It was ten o'clock when Mignonne arrived. Since Frédérique had opened my eyes to the young woman's secret sentiments, I had dreaded that interview; I was deeply moved, and it grieved me to think of causing her pain. Poor child! from whom I was fleeing because she loved me! We run after so many women who do not love us!
Mignonne seemed to me even paler and more depressed than usual. However, she smiled when she saw me. I went to meet her and held out my hand.
"Mignonne, I was waiting to say good-bye to you."
She looked anxiously at me, did not take the hand I offered her, and faltered:
"What! to say good-bye? Are you going on a journey?"