He was sadly disappointed, shocked, amazed; and he felt, with a sinking heart, how hopeless was his own case.

For even should he be able to approach this mournful, listless monarch, what sympathy could be expected from him?
The future looked darker than ever now to this brave young heart.

Absorbed in these sorrowful reflections he walked silently along beside his companion, who suspected his taciturn mood, and did not intrude upon it, until, as the hour of noon approached, he suggested that they should turn their steps homeward, so as to be in time for the mid-day meal.

When they reached the hotel they were relieved to find that nothing particular had happened during their absence.

Isabelle, quietly seated at table with the others when they entered, received the baron with her usual sweet smile, and held out her little white hand to him.