I took good care not to disturb the illusive hopes which my aunt had
already conceived. Being reassured by the manner in which Madame Murrah
had played her part, it only remained for me to determine the time and
the form of refusal best adapted to the circumstances.
While I was in the midst of these reflections, Count Kiusko came in,
like any familiar friend, without being announced. He held out his hand
to me with more than his usual cordiality. By his happy looks I judged
that he had already had a word of encouragement from my aunt, and that
he had come to learn in detail the result of her first attempt. Not
wishing to disturb their interview, I pretended after a minute or two
that I had some letters to write, and left them.
The following morning I was only just out of bed when Kiusko came up
with his spurs on. We had decided the day before to ride together to the
Bois. As he usually went to the rendezvous by himself, I guessed that
to-day he wanted to appear to have been taken there by me, in order to
cover his embarrassment, or perhaps his bashfulness when he met
Kondjé-Gul. Having made up my mind to avoid all confidences, I kept my
valet in the room with me, dressing myself very deliberately, and
without any compassion for Kiusko's impatience. This compelled us,
directly we were mounted, to gallop to the Bois, a procedure not very
favourable to confidential effusions.
We only joined the party at the Avenue of Acacias on their way back. I
took care to watch Kiusko as he saluted Kondjé-Gul. He blushed and
stammered out a compliment addressed collectively to all the three
girls. Kondjé's countenance betrayed nothing more than the flush
produced by her ride. We started off in two separate parties. From
motives of discretion, I suppose, Kiusko remained behind with Suzannah
and the commodore. Edward and I had gone in front with Kondjé-Gul and
Maud, who was quarrelling with her cousin upon the important question,
as to whether we should gallop straight ahead or make a round between
the trees. Kondjé-Gul decided the matter by suddenly entering the cover.
"Who loves me, let him follow me!" she said, with a laugh.
I followed her, and in a few moments we found ourselves side by side.
"Oh, such a fine piece of news!" she said to me, as soon as Maud and
Edward, who were behind us, were out of hearing.
"What is it?" I asked.