"Don't be alarmed," answered Gilbert."If he has secrets he has not betrayed them.He was engaged in complaining to himself, in scolding the saints and weeping.Neither must you think that Icame hither to spy upon him, or to question him.As he had met with sorrow, I wanted to console him by imparting the agreeable news of my near departure; but I had not the courage to show myself to him, and besides, I am not quite certain now what I shall do.""Yes, you will do well to go," eagerly answered the serf; "but go secretly, without warning anyone.I will help you, if you wish it.
You are too inquisitive to remain here.Certain suspicions have already been excited on your account, which I have combated.Then, too, you are imprudent!" Thus saying, he drew from his pocket the candle which Gilbert had dropped in the corridor, the preceding night.
"Fortunately," said he, returning it to him, "it was I who found it, and picked it up, and I wish you well, you know why.But before going from here," added he in a solemn tone, "swear to me, that during the time you may yet remain in this house, you will not try to come into this gallery again, and that you will not ramble in the other any more in the night.I tell you your life is in danger if you do."Gilbert answered him by a gesture of assent, and passing the wicket, regained his room, where alternately standing at the window, or stretched upon an easy-chair, he passed two full hours communing with his thoughts.The dinner-bell put an end to his long meditations.There was but little conversation during the repast.M.Leminof was grave and gloomy, and seemed to be laboring under a great nervous excitement which he strove to conceal.
Stephane was calmer than would have been expected, after the violent emotions he had experienced, but there was something singular in his look.Father Alexis alone wore his everyday face;he found it very good, and did not judge it expedient to change it.