His meaning was clear enough in his eyes, but Juliette was fresh
from a convent-school, where they seek earnestly to teach a woman
not to be a woman.

"One may be young, and still have understanding, monsieur," she
said, with the composed little smile on her demure lips, which must
only have been the composure of complete innocence: almost a
monopoly of children, though some women move through life without
losing it.

"Yes," answered Loo, looking into her eyes. "So it appears. So,
how will you go to Bordeaux? How does one go from Gemosac to
Bordeaux?"

"By carriage to Mortagne, where a boat is always to be obtained. It
is a short journey, if the tide is favourable," broke in Marie, who
was practical before she was polite.

"Then," said Loo, as quick as thought, "drive back with me now to
Mortagne. I have left my horse in the town, my boat at the pier at
Mortagne. It is an hour's drive. In an hour and a half you will be
on board 'The Last Hope,' at anchor in the river. There is
accommodation on board for both you and Madame; for I, alas! leave
the ship to-night with Monsieur Colville, and thus vacate two
cabins."

Juliette reflected for a moment, but she did not consult, even by a
glance, Marie; who, in truth, appeared to expect no such
confidences, but awaited the decision with a grim and grudging
servitude which was as deeply pressed in upon her soul as was the