L'ENVOI 223 



heureux^^ he said, " vous savez — le pauvre 

 hommeJ" He shrugged and glanced 

 towards the ingle-nook. The fire cracked 

 and roared, whilst weird shadows flickered 

 on the wall. 



Anon Jean Pierre arrived, my baggage 

 was brought down, while the whole party 

 trooped out to the inn door. 



The night had cleared. A wonder of 

 a moon rode high in heaven and bathed 

 the square in silver light. With much 

 handshaking I settled myself and belong- 

 ings in the cart alongside Jean Pierre, 

 and my good friends all shouted good 

 wishes as we made our start. Anastasie 

 beamed. ^^ Bon voyage alors, mo?isieu?\ 

 Bien le bonjour d ?nadame" The Mayor 

 waved a hand. *' Bonne chance a la pro- 

 chaine. Bonne sante, et . . . Au revoir.'' 

 In turn I raised my hand in a salute, and 

 then looked back. The door had closed. 

 I saw only one silent figure below the 

 lintel, its long hair hanging straight, 

 framing an ashen face, its wild eyes with 

 steadfast gaze catching the glint of the 

 moonlight. 



For some time we drove in silence, each 



