you come with us? You shall have the best horse in the stable."
"And you my best thanks for the honor," I said.
Our horses came up presently, and we all made off at a quick gallop. The forest avenues were now aglow and filled with hazy sunlight as with a flood, through which yellow leaves were slowly sinking. Our horses went to their fetlocks in a golden drift. The marquis rode on at a rapid pace, but soon Thérèse pulled rein, I keeping abreast of her.
In a moment our horses were walking quietly.
"You have news for me, ma'm'selle?" I remarked.
"Indeed, I have much news," said she, as always, in French. "I was afraid you were not coming in time, m'sieur."
She took a dainty letter from her bosom, passing it to me.
My old passion flashed up as I took the perfumed sheets. I felt my heart quicken, my face burn with it. I was to have good news at last of those I loved better than my life, those I had not forgotten a moment in all the peril of war.
