d dashing over its rocky bed, followed the sweep of the
hills to the left, leaving a wide, grassy expanse on the right which
stretched to the foot of the hills, where it was broken up by a tangle
of rocks, wild flowers, and brushwood.

Here there were seats for the spectators of the dance. A rough sort of
shed had been run up, and boarded for those who feared night dews, or
early morning chills. Near the Fontaine, a little bubbling spring of
clear water fringed with delicate ferns and 'morning glory,' was a
refreshment booth, which appeared to be driving a thriving trade when
the little party of English arrived.

Everybody was in gala dress; everybody beamed with joy. The white caps
and beautifully embroidered bodices of the women--though their dresses
were all either black or dark blue--lent a brightness to the crowd; a
bright touch was added by the gay shawls of the elder dames, and the
broad slouch hats and flapping white collars of the men, got up in their
best.

It was a calm evening, with a silvery crescent moon, and very warm for
the time of year. Though it was scarcely dark yet, the Chinese lanterns
were lighted, lanterns of every shape and size and colour. The people
appeared to have gone mad on the subject. Not only did lanterns hang
from the trees, outline the sheds, and shine from the tops of poles
along the banks of the river, but some of the men carried them on their
hats, or hanging from their thick walking-sticks.

Mrs. Wright was warmly greeted by her numerous friends. Many a smile was
turned on her and on Jack, who had a bow and a smile for them all as he
made way for his mother and Estelle. The little girl found it very
bewildering and delightful after her long quiet days in the Hospice de
la Providence. She thought she had never seen such kind people. They
came to ask how she was, and commented on her looks with the politest of
compliments. Until now she had not known what a stir her arrival, and
the mystery which still surrounded her, had caused in the village. Shy
though she felt, her gracious manner, and gentle way of receiving all
the notice she attracted, charmed the simple people.

Jack found seats in the front row of the great shed. He chose them on
the side which was nearer the exit by which they could slip away if his
mother were tired. Here Estelle watched the animated scene, her chair
close to Goody's, too fascinated to talk.

The circus troupe had brought a fairly good band with the