Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/198

Rh "No," he answered, "I will go home now."

The wheel-carriage was going slowly along the road when the ladies passed the château on the following day. Bertrand looked at the little girl, and she looked at him, both smiling shyly. Again, she whispered to her mother, as they drew near; and then they came up to the carriage together.

"May I introduce myself to you?" said the lady, speaking in French, and in a very sweet voice; "My name is Mrs. Vaughn, and this is my little daughter Ellen. We are staying for a time at the Villa Claire. My Ellie is lonely here because she knows no other young people. If it would not be troublesome to you, it would give her pleasure to see something of you."

Bertrand raised himself on his elbow, with an effort that brought the blood to his face, pulled the cap from his dark curls, and made her a graceful little bow.