But when she was reading to her aunt that evening, she felt as if Agatha's words were true. The Countess listened as if she liked to listen, and smiled more than once as if she were comforted and pleased. Coming out of the bedroom, Adrienne went downstairs into the salon, where a blazing wood fire was burning. She piled some cushions together on the hearthrug and sank down into them. As a little child she had always loved making pictures in the fire. Guy was busy writing letters in the library, but she loved the solitude of the old Château and never felt lonely in it. She did not hear Guy's step, so deep was she in her dreams, until a soft touch on her hair made her look round. "All alone, sweetheart?" "Sit down by me and let us be children together. Only one more evening and then the ocean will be between us. Have you written to Mathilde?" "I came to tell you that this evening's post has brought a letter from her. She is on her way here. She is not surprised at her mother's illness. She tells me she had a very slight seizure once before." "I am glad she's coming. I shall not be missed." "No? It will be only losing our light and hope and sunshine. But we shall weather through." "You will be very happy, and so shall I, looking forward to our next meeting." Guy would not sit down: he was standing with his back to the fire, looking down upon her. "Sometimes," he said, "I can't believe in my luck. And I am wondering if, when you get back to your old environment, it will take possession of you again, and you will feel you cannot give it all up for a very mundane middle-aged widower. You will be beginning your married life, poor child, with ready-made cares, a restless little stepson and a sick aunt, to say nothing of a husband who intends to monopolize you entirely whenever he gets a chance." Adrienne looked up at him with radiant eyes. "What good times we shall have! And if—if I come back by Christmas, what a lovely Christmas with a child to enjoy it, and all the villagers to surprise and please with gifts. We'll give the old Château a good time, too. It has been so very dull and sedate for so many years." "I believe the Château comes first sometimes with you." "Are you jealous of it?" Then Adrienne rose and put her slender arms round his neck, drawing his head down to her. "Oh, Guy, Guy, how you've made me love you! Do you think that any old environment of mine could wean me away from all I have here? And could the Château itself compare with you! I shall be counting the days to when you come over to claim me."