Thérèse Crosses the River.

One Afternoon.

One Night.

Melicent Leaves Place-du-Bois.

With Loose Rein.

The Reason Why.

Perplexing Things.

A Social Evening.

Tidings That Sting.

Melicent Hears the News.

A Step Too Far.

A Fateful Solution.

To Him Who Waits.

Conclusion.

PART I

I The Mistress of Place-du-Bois.

When Jérôme Lafirme died, his neighbors awaited the results of his sudden taking off with indolent watchfulness. It was a matter of unusual interest to them that a plantation of four thousand acres had been left unincumbered to the disposal of a handsome, inconsolable, childless Creole widow of thirty. A bêtise of some sort might safely be looked for. But time passing, the anticipated folly failed to reveal itself; and the only wonder was that Thérèse Lafirme so successfully followed the methods of her departed husband.

bêtise

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