'It will be of no use,' said Adrian.

'One never knows,' said Michel. 'Young women are queer cattle to
take to market. One can never be quite certain which way they want
to go. After you are off to-morrow, I will have a few words with
her. She does not quite understand as yet that she must make her
hay while the sun shines. Some of 'em are all in a hurry to get
married, and some of 'em again are all for hanging back, when their
friends wish it. It's natural, I believe, that they should be
contrary. But Marie is as good as the best of them, and when I
speak to her, she'll hear reason.'

Adrian Urmand had no alternative but to assent to the innkeeper's
proposition. The idea of making love second-hand was not pleasant
to him; but he could not hinder the uncle from speaking his mind to
the niece. One little suggestion he did make before he took his
departure. 'It can't be, I suppose, that there is any one else that
she likes better?' To this Michel Voss made no answer in words, but
shook his head in a fashion that made Adrian feel assured that there
was no danger on that head.

But Michel Voss, though he had shaken his head in a manner so
satisfactory, had feared that there was such danger. He had
considered himself justified in shaking his head, but would not be
so false as to give in words the assurance which Adrian had asked.
That night he discussed the matter with his wife, declaring it as
his purpose that Marie Bromar should marry Adrian Urmand. 'It is
impossible that she should do better,' said Michel.

'It would be very well,' said Madame Voss.