"
She grew very still, and he felt her move towards him, as she divined his
purpose, and knew that this room of hers would have no shadow in it
to-morrow, and her soul no unpardonable sin. A warm peace passed through
her veins, and she drew nearer still. She did not know that this new
ardent confidence came near to wrecking her. For Valmond had an instant's
madness, and only saved himself from the tumult in his blood by getting
to his feet, with strenuous resolution. Taking both her hands, he kissed
her on the cheeks, and said:
"Adieu, Elise. May your sorrow never be more, and my happiness never
less. I am going now."
He felt her hand grasp his arm, as if with a desire that he should not
leave her. Then she rose quickly, and came with him to the window.
Raising the sash, she held it, and he looked out. There seemed to be no
one in the road, no one in the yard. So, half turning, he swung himself
down by his hands, and dropped to the ground. From the window above a sob
came to him, and Elise's face, all tears, showed for an instant in the
moonlight.
He did not seek the road directly, but, climbing a fence near by, crossed
a hay-field, going unseen, as he thought, to the village.
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