"You need not hesitate," she said earnestly. "We have both understood,
and I know that you are to be trusted."
"Not always," I said, remembering that one experience of mine with Mrs.
Falchion on the 'Fulvia'. Holding the back of a chair, and looking
earnestly at me, she continued: "Once, on the vessel, you remember, in a
hint so very little, I made it appear that madame was selfish. . . . I am
sorry. Her heart was asleep. Now, it is awake. She is unselfish. The
accident of our going away is hers. She goes to leave peace behind." "I
am most glad," said I. "And you think there will be peace?"
"Surely, since this has come, that will come also."
"And you--Mademoiselle?" I should not have asked that question had I
known more of the world. It was tactless and unkind.
"For me it is no matter at all. I do not come in anywhere. As I said, I
am happy."
And turning quickly, yet not so quickly but that I saw her cheeks were
flushed, she passed out of the room. In a moment Mrs. Falchion entered.
There was something new in her carriage, in her person. She came towards
me, held out her hand, and said, with the same old half-quizzical tone:
"Have you, with your unerring instinct, guessed that I was leaving, and
so come to say good-bye?"
"You credit me too highly.
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