Nearness or absence would not
affect it. Madame, let me have your hand."
"No, no! Monsieur, I do not know you."
"You shall know me better. Come, what is a hand? There. Madame,
would you prefer, from now on, to travel in hardship with me rather
than be left in comfort here?"
"I should indeed, monsieur."
"Then you shall go with me."
"But your work, monsieur!"
I released her hand and picked up my paddle. "I see that Indian tribes
are not my only concern," I explained. "I have other matters to
conquer. We shall not be separated from now on."
She did not answer, and I paddled home in silence with my eyes on her
face. As we landed, she gave me her hand.
"I do not care for supper, and am going to my house. Good-night,
monsieur."
I bowed over her hand. "Are you glad that you are to travel with me
and know me better? Are you glad, madame?"
She smiled a little. "I--I think so, monsieur."
"You are not sure? Think of it to-night. Perhaps you will tell me
to-morrow. Will you tell me to-morrow, madame?"
She drew back into the dusk. "Perhaps--to-morrow. Good-night,
monsieur."
I walked through the meadow. I would not eat supper and I would not
work. Finally I called Simon.
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