Yet the flat-iron moved backwards and forwards
upon the sheets mechanically.
"Or fight a Government," he answered. "He has had a good time, and good
times can't last for ever, can they, Elise? Have you ever thought of
that?"
She turned pale and swayed over the table. In an instant he was beside
her; for though he had been irritable and ungenerous, he had at bottom a
kind heart. Catching up a glass of water, he ran an arm round her waist
and held the cup to her lips.
"What's the matter, my girl?" he asked. "There, pull yourself together."
She drew away from him, though grateful for his new attitude. She could
not bear everything. She felt nervous and strangely weak.
"Won't you go, monsieur?" she said, and turned to her ironing again.
He looked at her closely, and not unkindly. For a moment the thought
possessed him that evil and ill had come to her. But he put it away from
him, for there was that in her eyes which gave his quick suspicions the
lie. He guessed now that the girl loved Valmond, and he left her with
that thought. Going up the hill, deep in thought, he called at the Manor,
to find that Madame Chalice was absent, and would not be back till
evening.
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