Page:The Eyes of Innocence.djvu/182

178 in order to know you? What he feels in you, that delicate bloom and innocence, I have always felt. And I know all the power of your eyes: they bring purity and peace ... one is better for looking at them ... one sees more clearly ..."

Gilberte, in her confusion, nestled her head against the friendly shoulder. She was delaying, as a joy in reserve, the news of her recovered name; and the thought of the pleasure which she held in store gave her tiny thrills of impatience. She said, in a whisper:

"Then ... my name ... my past ..."

"Rubbish!" cried Mme. de la Vaudraye. "What did all that matter where you were concerned, my innocent Gilberte? Those prejudices fade away into nothing when we look at them with your eyes and judge them with your candour."

"Do you mean that?" asked the girl, releasing herself and looking at her with a radiant air. "Have you no regrets?"