on the Reche. The slightest detail of the scene had engraved itself
indelibly upon his memory. When the recital was ended:

"Are you quite sure," asked his father, "that you correctly understood
Marie-Anne's reply? Did she tell you that if her father gave his consent
to your marriage, she would refuse hers?"

"Those were her very words."

"And still she loves you?"

"I am sure of it."

"You were not mistaken in Monsieur Lacheneur's tone when he said to
you: 'Go, you little wretch! do you wish to render all my precautions
useless?'"

"No."

M. d'Escorval sat for a moment in silence.

"This passes comprehension," he murmured at last. And so low that his
son could not hear him, he added: "I will see Lacheneur to-morrow; this
mystery must be explained."



CHAPTER XVI

The cottage where M. Lacheneur had taken refuge was situated on a hill