friends, I do not wish you to return."

Marcasse shook his head and said nothing. We went round the farm once
more before departing. Marcasse was very much struck with a certain
incident to which I should have paid but little attention. The farmer
wished to introduce me to his wife, but she could not be persuaded to
see me, and went and hid herself in the hemp-field. I attributed this to
the shyness of youth.

"Fine youth, my word!" said Marcasse; "youth like mine fifty years old
and more! There is something beneath it, something beneath, I tell you."

"What the devil can there be?"

"Hum! She was very friendly with John Mauprat in her day. She found
his crooked legs to her liking. I know about it; yes, I know many other
things, too; many things--you may take my word!"

"You shall tell me them the next time we come; and that will not be so
soon; for my affairs are going on much better than if I interfered with
them; and I should not like to get into the habit of drinking Madeira
to prevent myself from being frightened at my own shadow. And now,
Marcasse, I must ask you as a favour not to tell any one what has
happened. Everybody has not your respect for your captain."

"The man who does not respect my captain is an idiot," answered the
hidalgo, in a tone of authority; "but, if you order me, I will say
nothing."

He kept his word. I would not on any account have had Edmee's mind