With a deep sigh Gabrielle rose, and drew down the open window, standing there for some minutes alone, and looking out upon the dark evergreen grove.
——
CHAPTER II.
“I am going into the village,” Miss Vaux said. “If you will tell me where that poor woman lives you were speaking of last night, Gabrielle, I will call upon her now.”
“Let me go with you,” Gabrielle said quickly. “I told her we would come together. Wait for me one minute, and I will be ready.”
“I scarcely see the need of it. You are looking pale and ill, Gabrielle. I would advise you to stay in the house and rest.”
“I have a headache, and the air will do it good,” Gabrielle answered. “Let me go, sister?”
“As you will, then,” Miss Vaux said, and Gabrielle went away to dress.
She had not yet recovered her usual gay spirits; but was still grave, quiet, and apparently occupied with her own thoughts, and the two walked side by side, almost without speaking, along the little path over the field which lay between their house and the village. It was a very bright, sunny summer’s day; too hot, indeed, for walking, but beautiful to look at. The heat seemed to weary Gabrielle, she walked so very slowly, and was so pale.
“This is the house, sister. We go through the kitchen; she has the room above.”