Page 252 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

‘What an idea!’ he said to himself. ‘Why did my master
make this journey in winter? Couldn’t he have waited for
the good season to increase his chances?’
While the worthy Frenchman was absorbed in the state

of the sky and the depression of the temperature, Aouda
was experiencing fears from a totally different cause.
Several passengers had got off at Green River, and were
walking up and down the platforms; and among these
Aouda recognised Colonel Stamp Proctor, the same who
had so grossly insulted Phileas Fogg at the San Francisco
meeting. Not wishing to be recognised, the young woman
drew back from the window, feeling much alarm at her
discovery. She was attached to the man who, however
coldly, gave her daily evidences of the most absolute
devotion. She did not comprehend, perhaps, the depth of
the sentiment with which her protector inspired her,
which she called gratitude, but which, though she was
unconscious of it, was really more than that. Her heart
sank within her when she recognised the man whom Mr.
Fogg desired, sooner or later, to call to account for his
conduct. Chance alone, it was clear, had brought Colonel
Proctor on this train; but there he was, and it was
necessary, at all hazards, that Phileas Fogg should not
perceive his adversary.

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