The words were spoken in a voice so low, that only Gilliatt heard them.
She remained with her head lowered as if by shading her face she hoped to conceal her thoughts.
There was a pause. No leaf among the trees was stirred. It was that solemn and peaceful moment when the slumber of external things mingles with the sleep of living creatures; and night seems to listen to the beating of Nature’s heart. In the midst of that retirement, like a harmony making the silence more complete, rose the wide murmur of the sea.
The voice was heard again.
“Mademoiselle!”
Déruchette started.
Again the voice spoke.
“You are silent.”
“What would you have me say?”
“I wait for your reply.”