M. Hervart did not arrive till quite an appreciable time had passed, and Leonor said to himself:
"She scents her lover as a pointer scents the game. Love is extraordinary."
He abandoned himself to reflection, astonished at having learnt so many things in half an hour's walk with a young and simple-hearted girl.
Rose was staring with all her eyes in the direction from which the sound of rustling leaves had come. Leonor stooped down behind her and kissed the hem of her skirt.
CHAPTER X
While he was alone, M. Hervart had done his best to make a decision, as he had promised himself to do; but decisions had fluttered like capricious butterflies round his head and would not let themselves be caught. He was neither surprised nor vexed at the fact.
"Rose," he said to himself at last, "will do all I want."
This certitude was enough for him. The moment he had a will, Rose would acquiesce.
"Provided my will agrees with hers, that's obvious. Now Rose's wish is to become Mme. Hervart. Dear little thing, she's in love with me...."