When they entered Marguerite turned round wondering who could be with
her Father at such an early hour. On seeing who it was, her face
clouded, and she immediately experienced that same feeling of fear come
over her as she always had of late when she saw her Father and Jacques
Gaultier together. She said "good morning" to them, and then resumed the
preparation for the morning meal. Jacques' dark eyes followed her all
about the room; doubtless he was thinking of the time when she would be
performing the same duties under his roof, while she--Well, we will not
penetrate into her thoughts; no doubt she would prefer keeping them to
herself, so we will let her, in the certainty that the train of thought
was very different to that of Jacques Gaultier.

Hirzel now appeared, announcing that he was ready to eat up all, his
sister included. Breakfast being ready, they all drew their chairs near
the table, Marguerite begging Hirzel to come and sit near her, as she
wanted to speak to him. The boy saw that she wished to keep Gaultier
off, and with his usual teasing way, he made signs behind that worthy's
back to the effect that his sister ought to ask him to sit by her.
However, when Hirzel saw that his sister looked really troubled, he came
immediately like a good brother and did what his sister wished. All this
was not lost on that wretched Jacques, who between present
circumstances, and his own thoughts of what must come before he gained
Marguerite, had by no means an enviable position.

During the repast Pierre informed Hirzel that on the afternoon of the
following day he had a particular message to send him on, as it was one
some way off, he might take the cart or ride if he preferred it.

"Very well, Father, I'll go for you; riding is best if I have nothing