Brigit's appetite had fled, and she was most uneasy as she watched him,
for she did not dare risk an explosion by putting the smallest question
to him.
Something was very wrong, and she was alarmed. Suddenly, as a clock
struck half-past six, he rose. "_Au revoir_, my children," he said, "I
must get back home. Theo will call for you at ten minutes to ten,
Brigitte, my--my daughter!"
And he was gone, leaving Theo staring after him.
"What can be the matter?" the young man mused. "He looks very bad,
doesn't he? It is too early for letters to have come. He can't----" He
paused and a quick smile stirred his moustache and showed his white
teeth.
"Can't what?" queried Brigit, vaguely annoyed by his smile.
"He can't have fallen in love----"
"Of course he can't!"
"No. But only because he hasn't seen anyone since the night before last.
He is amazing about his love-affairs, dear, in and out before you can
get your breath, and always madly sincere!"
"I know, 'He always cares for the time,'" she quoted softly, pushing
away her cup. "Let's go, Theo, I want to get a sleep before we go to
church."
He was surprised by the irritation in her voice, but rose obediently,
and after disappearing for a moment to pay Madame Malaumain, led her
back to the inn.
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