our deepest commiseration, Amelie," replied he; "you
know how this has happened?"

"I do know, Pierre, and shame to know it. But you are so generous ever.
Do not blame me for this agitation!" She strove to steady herself, as a
ship will right up for a moment in veering.

"Blame you! what a thought! As soon blame the angels for being good! But
I have a plan, Amelie, for Le Gardeur--we must get him out of the
city and back to Tilly for a while. Your noble aunt has given me an
invitation to visit the Manor House. What if I manage to accompany Le
Gardeur to his dear old home?"

"A visit to Tilly in your company would, of all things, delight Le
Gardeur," said she, "and perhaps break those ties that bind him to the
city."

These were pleasing words to Philibert, and he thought how delightful
would be her own fair presence also at Tilly.

"All the physicians in the world will not help Le Gardeur as will your
company at Tilly!" exclaimed she, with a sudden access of hope. "Le
Gardeur needs not medicine, only care, and--"

"The love he has set his heart on, Amelie! Men sometimes die when they
fail in that." He looked at her as he said this, but instantly withdrew
his eyes, fearing he had been overbold.

She blushed, and only replied, with absolute indirection, "Oh, I am so
thankful to you, Pierre Philibert!" But she gave him, as he left, a look
of gratitude and love which never effaced itself from his memory. In
after-years, when Pierre Philibert cared not for the light of the sun,
nor for woman's love, nor for life itself, the tender, impassioned
glance of those dark eyes wet with tears came back to him like a break
in the dark clouds, disclosing the blue heaven beyond; and he longed to
be there.

CHAPTER XXV. BETWIXT THE LAST VIOLET AND THE EARLIEST ROSE.

"Do not go out to-day, brother, I want you so particularly to stay with
me to-day," said Amelie de Repentigny, with a gentle, pleading voice.
"Aunt has resolved to return to Tilly to-morrow; I need your help to
arrange these papers, and anyway, I want your company, brother," added
she, smiling.

Le Gardeur sat feverish, nervous, and ill after his wild night spent
at the Taverne de Menut. He started and reddened as his sister's eyes
rested on him. He looked through the open window like a wild animal
ready to spring out of it and escape.

A raging thirst was on him, which Amelie sought to assuage by draughts
of water, milk, and tea--a sisterly attention wh