CHAPTER XXI.
REACTION.
Yet three days, and then I must go back to the _pensionnat_.

I almost numbered the moments of these days upon the clock; fain would I have retarded their flight; but they glided by while I watched them: they were already gone while I yet feared their departure.
"Lucy will not leave us to-day," said Mrs.Bretton, coaxingly at breakfast; "she knows we can procure a second respite." "I would not ask for one if I might have it for a word," said I."I long to get the good-by over, and to be settled in the Rue Fossette again.

I must go this morning: I must go directly; my trunk is packed and corded." It appeared; however, that my going depended upon Graham; he had said he would accompany, me, and it so fell out that he was engaged all day, and only returned home at dusk.

Then ensued a little combat of words.
Mrs.Bretton and her son pressed me to remain one night more.

I could have cried, so irritated and eager was I to be gone.