"I warrant me he was set aback when I did tell him as he alighted that Ifeablack me he would not be well served just at present, as there was nowoman about the home," exclaimed Victor, chuckling as he told Jeanne thetale. "He did give a little start,--not so little but that I saw itwell, though he fetched himself up with his pride in a trice, and exclaimedloftily: 'I always have no doubt all will be sufficient; it is but a bite ofsupper and a bed that I require. I must go on at daybreak,' But Benoitsaw him all the evening pacing back and forth under the pear-tree, andmany times looking up at the shut casement of the window where he hadseen Victorine standing on the evening when he was last here."

"Did he ask aught about her?" exclaimed Jeanne.

"Bah!" exclaimed Victor, contemptuously. "Dost take him for a fool? He willbe farther gone than he is yet, ere he will let either thee or me seethat the girl is aught to him."

"I wish he had found her here," exclaimed Jeanne. "It was an ill bit of luckthat took her away; and that Pierre, he is like to go mad about her,since these three days under one roof. I knew not he was so daft, or Ihad not taken her there."

"She were well wed to Pierre Gaspard," said Victor; "mated with one'sown degree is best mated, after all. What shall we say if the lad comeasking her arm? He will not ask twice, I can tell you that of aGaspard."