At first, I thought of speaking to Michael; not with any special
motive, but simply because I felt drawn toward him as the guide
and helper in whom my heart trusted at this crisis in my life. A
little consideration, however, suggested to me that I might be
seen speaking to him, and might so do him an injury. While I was
still hesitating, the thought came to me that my aunt's motive
for sending him to her bookseller might be to get him out of her
way.

Out of her way in the house? No: his place was not in the house.
Out of her way in the stable? The next instant, the idea flashed
across my mind of watching the stable door.

The best bedrooms, my room included, were all in front of the
house. I went up to my maid's room, which looked on the
courtyard; ready with my excuse, if she happened to be there. She
was not there. I placed myself at the window, in full view of the
stable opposite.

An interval elapsed--long or short, I cannot say which; I was too
much excited to look at my watch. All I know is that I discovered
her! She crossed the yard, after waiting to make sure that no one
was there to see her; and she entered the stable by the door
which led to that part of the building occupied by Michael. This
time I looked at my watch.

Forty minutes passed before I saw her again. And then, instead of
appearing at the door, she showed herself at the window of
Michael's room; throwing it wide open. I concealed myself behind