The others looked at him with varied feelings as he read. Curiosity,
inquiry, expectation, were common to them all, but with each was a
different personal feeling. The Cure's has been described. Jo
Portugais' mind was asking if this meant that the man who had come
into his life must now go out of it; and the girl was asking who was
this mysterious man, like none she had ever seen or known.

Without hesitation Charley handed over the letter to the Cure, who took
it with surprise, read it with amazement, and handed it back with a flush
on his face.

"Thank you," said Charley to the girl. "It is good of you to bring it
all this way. May I ask--"

"She is Mademoiselle Rosalie Evanturel," said the Cure smiling.

"I am Charles Mallard," said Charley slowly. "Thank you. I will go now,
Monsieur Mallard," the girl said, lifting her eyes to his face. He
bowed. As she turned and went towards the door her eyes met his. She
blushed.

"Wait, Mademoiselle; I will go back with you," said the Cure kindly. He
turned to Charley and held out his hand. "God be with you, Monsieur--
Charles," he said. "Come and see me soon." Remembering that his brother
had written that the man was a drunkard, his eyes had a look of pity.
This was the man's own secret and his. It was a way to the man's heart;
he would use it.

As the two went out of the door, the girl looked back. Charley was