woods.

With my eyes I followed his retreating form, until it was hidden by the
intervening branches. I felt relief that he was gone. I could have
wished that he was gone for ever. Despite the need we had of his
assistance--despite the absolute necessity for his return--at that
moment I could have wished that we should never see him again!

CHAPTER SIXTY NINE.

LOVE'S VENGEANCE.

Now for an explanation with Aurore! Now to give vent to the dire
passion of jealousy--to relieve my heart with recriminations--with the
bitter-sweet vengeance of reproach!

I could stifle the foul emotion no longer--no longer conceal it. It
must have expression in words.

I had purposely remained standing with my face averted from her, till
D'Hauteville was gone out of sight. Longer, too. I was endeavouring to
still the wild throbbings of my breast--to affect the calmness of
indifference. Vain hypocrisy! To her eyes my spite must have been
patent, for in this the keen instincts of woman are not to be baffled.

It was even so. She comprehended all. Hence the wild act--the
_abandon_ to which at that moment she gave way.

I was turning to carry out my design, when I felt the soft pressure of
her body against mine--her arms encircled my neck--her head, with face
upturned, rested upon my bosom, and her large lustrous eyes sought mine
with a look of melting inquiry.

That look should have satisfied me. Surely no eyes but the eyes of love
could have borne such expression?

And yet I was not content. I faltered out--

"Aurore, you do not love me!"

"_Ah, Monsieur! pourquoi cette cruaute? Je t'aime_--_mon Dieu! avec
tout mon coeur je t'aime_!"

Even this did not still my suspicious thoughts. The circumstances had
been too strong--jealousy had taken too firm a hold to be plucked out by
mere assurances. Explanation alone could satisfy me. That or
confession.

Having made a commencement, I went on. I detailed what I had seen at
the landing--the after conduct of D'Hauteville--what I had observed the
preceding night--what I had just that moment witnessed. I detailed all.
I added no reproaches. There was time enough for them when I should
receive her answer.

It came in the midst of tears. She had known D'Hauteville before--that
was acknowledged. There _was_ a mystery in the relations that existed
between them. I was solicited not to require an explanation. My
patience was appealed to. It was not her secret.