This sunken way is fenced by low walls so that one may
not--when walking on the terrace--fall into it. Gil had spoken
before his head had well risen to view, and this gave us a
moment, just a moment. Croisette made a rush for the doorway
into the house; but failed to gain it, and drew himself up behind
a buttress of the tower, his finger on his lip. I am slow
sometimes, and Marie waited for me, so that we had barely got to
our legs--looking, I dare say, awkward and ungainly enough--
before the Vidame's shadow fell darkly on the ground at
Catherine's feet.
"Mademoiselle!" he said, advancing to her through the sunshine,
and bending over her slender hand with a magnificent grace that
was born of his size and manner combined, "I rode in late last
night from Toulouse; and I go to-morrow to Paris. I have but
rested and washed off the stains of travel that I may lay my--
ah!"
He seemed to see us for the first time and negligently broke off
in his compliment; raising himself and saluting us. "Ah," he
continued indolently, "two of the maidens of Caylus, I see.
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