CHAPTER XIII

Meanwhile a mysterious change was coming over the lives and feelings of Laure and Gaston. Education had imprinted a false stamp on their natures, but now that they were free and living simple lives in the country they began to observe one another with curiosity, and to discover virtues in each other which they had not dreamed of before. Laure resumed her studies in music and painting in a room which

Gaston had fitted up with simplicity and taste. One evening she was sitting at the piano, and while she played and sang Gaston, unknown to her, stood listening outside at the window. As he listened to her clear' and pure voice, he began to realise the value of the treasure which he possessed, and to be ashamed of having so long ignored and neglected it. He made up his mind to give up this life of inaction, to open up for himself a useful career in Paris, and thus win back the heart of his wife ; but he resolved to mention his plans to Laure only at the moment of his leaving for Paris.

On the day before his departure the son of one of his tenants was to be married, and Laure had promised to be présent at the wedding. Gaston drove his wife to the farm, and on their arrivai Laure was touched by the hearty welcome which was given them, and by the popularity which her husband enjoyed among the farmers. They both remarked the happiness of the young married couple ; the latter had neither wealth nor titles, but they loved one another, they were happy. On their way home in the glorious starlit night Gaston and Laure said nothing ; they were buried in thought, and they arrived at the castle without Gaston having found courage to divulge his plans to his wife. However, going to his room an hour later, Laure found her husband making préparations to départ, and then she guessed ail. "Are you going away ? " she said, " going away alone without me ? Will you not confide to me your plans.?" — "If you loved me," he replied, " I would say, * Come with me, corne and share with me my life of activity and self-denial ; your présence will stimulate my courage.' But you do not love me. Why should you ? I have done nothing to deserve your affection." — "We will go together ! " cried Laure, throwing her arms round his neck. "We have been two fools and God has punished us ; but He will forgive us and send us Love."