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Rh dressed and wearing mutton-chop whiskers. As I came out I raised my hat. The man appeared not to notice me, though his eyes fell on me for a moment. I passed quickly by—in fact, as quickly as I could—for it struck me at once that this man must be Lafleur, and I did not want him to give the duke a description of the unknown gentleman who was staying at Avranches. Yet, as I went, I had time to hear Marie’s slow musical voice say:

“I’m not coming at all to-day.”

I was very glad of it, and pursued my round of the town with a lighter heart. Presently, after half an hour’s walk, I found myself opposite the church, and thus nearly back at the hotel: and in front of the church stood Marie Delhasse, looking at the façade.

Raising my hat I went up to her, her friendliness of the evening before encouraging me.

“I hope you are going to stay to-day?” said I.

“I don’t know.” Then she smiled, but not mirthfully. “I expect to be very much pressed to go this afternoon,” she said.

I made a shot—apparently at a venture.

“Someone will come and carry you off?” I asked jestingly.

“It’s very likely. My presence here will be known.”

“But need you go?”

She looked on the ground and made no answer.

“Perhaps though,” I continued, “he—or she—will not come. He may be too much occupied.”