And, besides, I felt a natural curiosity. When
Clon at last improved his pace, and went on to the village, I
took up his task. I called to mind all the wood-lore I had ever
learned, and scanned trodden mould and crushed leaves with eager
eyes. But in vain. I could make nothing of it all, and rose at
last with an aching back and no advantage.
I did not go on to the village after that, but returned to the
house, where I found Madame pacing the garden. She looked up
eagerly on hearing my step; and I was mistaken if she was not
disappointed--if she had not been expecting someone else. She
hid the feeling bravely, however, and met me with a careless
word; but she turned to the house more than once while we talked,
and she seemed to be all the while on the watch, and uneasy. I
was not surprised when Clon's figure presently appeared in the
doorway, and she left me abruptly, and went to him. I only felt
more certain than before that there was something strange on
foot. What it was, and whether it had to do with M. de
Cocheforet, I could not tell. But there it was, and I grew more
curious the longer I remained alone.
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