Maurice had decided to say nothing to his parents. What good would it do
to trouble them? Besides, he feared remonstrance and opposition, and he
was resolved to carry out his plans, even if he was compelled to leave
the paternal roof.

In the second week of September the abbe declared that Maurice might
resume his ordinary life, and that, as the weather was pleasant, it
would be well for him to spend much of his time in the open air.

In his delight, Maurice embraced the worthy priest.

"What happiness!" he exclaimed; "then I can hunt once more!"

He really cared but little for the chase; but he deemed it expedient
to pretend a great passion for it, since it would furnish him with an
excuse for frequent and protracted absences.

Never had he felt more happy than on the morning when, with his gun upon
his shoulder, he crossed the Oiselle and started for the abode of M.
Lacheneur. On reaching the little grove on the Reche, he paused for a
moment at a place which commanded a view of the cottage. While he stood
there, he saw Jean Lacheneur and Chanlouineau leave the house, each
laden with a pedler's pack.

Maurice was therefore sure that M. Lacheneur and Marie-Anne were alone
in the house.

He hastened to the cottage and entered without stopping to rap.