After having questioned Jeanne on various matters, and obtained only
the vaguest of answers, I perceived that her young mind was totally
absorbed by the skipping-rope, and I entered bravely into that grave
subject.

"So you have been skipping?" I said. "It is a very nice amusement,
but one that you must not exert yourself too much at; for any
excessive exercise of that kind might seriously injure your health,
and I should be very much grieved about it Jeanne--I should be very
much grieved, indeed!"

"You are very kind, Monsieur," the young girl said, "to have come
to see me and talk to me like this. I did not think about thanking
you when I came in, because I was too much surprised. Have you seen
Madame de Gabry? Please tell me something about her, Monsieur."

"Madame de Gabry," I answered, "is very well. I can only tell you
about her, Jeanne, what an old gardener once said of the lady of
the castle, his mistress, when somebody anxiously inquired about her:
'Madame is in her road.' Yes, Madame de Gabry is in her own road;
and you know, Jeanne, what a good road it is, and how steadily she
can walk upon it. I went out with her the other day, very, very
far away from the house; and we talked about you. We talked about
you, my child, at your mother's grave."

"I am very glad," said Jeanne.

And then, all at once, she began to cry.

I felt too much reverence for those generous tears to attempt in any