Marie-Anne and her father were kneeling on the hearth, upon which a huge
fire was blazing.

On hearing the door open, they turned; and at the sight of Maurice, they
both sprang up, blushing and confused.

"What brings you here?" they exclaimed in the same breath.

Under other circumstances, Maurice d'Escorval would have been dismayed
by such a hostile greeting, but now he scarcely noticed it.

"You have no business to return here against my wishes, and after what I
have said to you, Monsieur d'Escorval," said Lacheneur, rudely.

Maurice smiled, he was perfectly cool, and not a detail of the scene
before him had escaped his notice. If he had felt any doubts before,
they were now dissipated. He saw upon the fire a large kettle of
melted lead, and several bullet-moulds stood on the hearth, beside the
andirons.

"If I venture to present myself at your house, Monsieur," said Maurice,
gravely and impressively, "it is because I know all. I have discovered
your revengeful project. You are looking for men to aid you, are you
not? Very well! look me in the face, in the eyes, and tell me if I am
not one of those whom a leader is glad to enroll among his followers."

M. Lacheneur was terribly agitated.

"I do not know what you mean," he faltered, forgetting his feigned
anger; "I have no projects."