Hortense rose in her place a few moments, and stood looking out to sea. 'Yes,' she said at last, 'you may go back—slowly.' When the boat had headed round she resumed her old position, and put one of her hands over the side, drawing it through the water as they moved, and gazing into the long ripples.
At last she looked up at her companion. Now that her face caught some of the lingering light of the west, he could see that it was deathly pale.
'You find it hard to get along in the world,' said she; 'I shall be very glad to help you.'
The man started, and stared a moment. Was it because this remark jarred upon the expression which he was able faintly to discern in her eyes? The next, he put his hand to his cap.
'Madame is very kind. What will you do?'
Madame Bernier returned his gaze.
'I will trust you.'
'Ah!'
'And reward you.'
'Ah? Madame has a piece of work for me?'