some nourishment. He had quite forgotten that he had passed twenty-four
hours without eating.

When eleven o'clock sounded he left the house.

The lands of the Reche are situated on the other side of the Oiselle.
Maurice, to reach his destination, was obliged to cross the river at
a ferry only a short distance from his home. When he reached the
river-bank he found six or seven peasants who were waiting to cross.

These people did not observe Maurice. They were talking earnestly, and
he listened.

"It is certainly true," said one of the men. "I heard it from
Chanlouineau himself only last evening. He was wild with delight. 'I
invite you all to the wedding!' he cried. 'I am betrothed to Monsieur
Lacheneur's daughter; the affair is decided.'"

This astounding news positively stunned Maurice. He was actually unable
to think or to move.

"Besides, he has been in love with her for a long time. Everyone knows
that. One had only to see his eyes when he met her--coals of fire were
nothing to them. But while her father was so rich he did not dare to
speak. Now that the old man has met with these reverses, he ventures to
offer himself, and is accepted."

"An unfortunate thing for him," remarked a little old man.

"Why so?"