He bent his puzzled gaze upon her.
"I was a very little girl," she explained, "and you but a lad. It was at a party, I think, a great and brilliant party, for I remember many beautiful women and fine men. You held me up in your arms for people to see, because I was going on a long journey."
"I remember, of course I do!" he exclaimed.
A bell clanged, turning over and over, calling the Company's men to their day.
"Farewell," she said, hurriedly. "To-night."
"To-night," he repeated.
She glided rapidly through the grass, noiseless in her moccasined feet. And as she went she heard his voice humming soft and low,
"Isabeau s'y promène
Le long de son jardin,
Le long de son jardin,
Sur le bord de l'île,
Le long de son jardin."
"How could he help singing," murmured Virginia, fondly. "Ah, dear Heaven, but I am the happiest girl alive!"
Such a difference can one night bring about.