he
party were seated. Jack's selection of places enabled him to get close
enough to hear every word that was said. Bitter was his disappointment.
It had been the joy of Julien to find that the conversation could be
conducted in French, of which language the watcher possessed but a
slight smattering. He had picked up enough, however, to learn that
Estelle would be at the _fete_ the next day; but at what hour, or with
whom, he could not understand. The probabilities were in favour of the
old lady being the child's sole protector; the boy, even if he did
accompany them, need not count. He could be made short work of.

Julien was by no means the only suitor who pressed for the honour of
dancing with Estelle. No less a person than the village doctor himself
came to beg her to tread a measure with him in the quadrille which was
just forming. They might make up a select little party of their own.
Mrs. Wright, smiling, but firm, said the little girl was not equal to
the exertion, and begged the doctor not to undo all the good he had done
during the many months of illness and delicacy by urging her to
over-exert herself now. So the good man, putting his annoyance in his
pocket, joined the group, much to the anger of Julien. Julien did not
care for the doctor's jokes, and disliked his engaging Estelle's
attention, and plaguing her with compliments. As he had promised himself
the pleasure of meeting Estelle next day at the _fete_, he was not sorry
that Jack's return broke up the party.

Estelle could scarcely sleep that night from excitement. It had been a
delightful evening, and there was all the pleasure of the next day to
look forward to. She had not seen the shadow so close to her at the
shed; neither had Jack. The shadow kept dark in dark places. It was
quite possible that the man had not seen Jack. The coming of the doctor
had caused a little stir, and fear of detection had made the shadow draw
back, out of sight of the little group. When he stood forward again to
watch Mrs. Wright and the little girl move away, it was impossible to
distinguish in the crowd who belonged to whom.

CHAPTER XV.

The next morning was not brighter and clearer than Estelle's face as she
flew about, helping Goody to make everything ready for their early
dinner, specially early that day, as they were to set off for the _fete_
as soon as it was over.

'Julien Matou is going to show me the celebrated elephant, called
"Napoleon,"' announc