[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of the
file for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before making an
entire meal of them. D.W.]





POMP OF THE LAVILETTES

By Gilbert Parker

Volume 2.



CHAPTER X

Ferrols's recovery from his injuries was swifter than might have been
expected. As soon as he was able to move about Christine was his
constant attendant. She had made herself his nurse, and no one had
seriously interfered, though the Cure had not at all vaguely offered a
protest to Madame Lavilette. But Madame Lavilette was now in the humour
to defy or evade the Cure, whichever seemed the more convenient or more
necessary. To be linked by marriage with the nobility would indeed be
the justification of all her long-baffled hopes. Meanwhile, the parish
gossiped, though little of that gossip was heard at the Manor Casimbault.
By and by the Cure ceased to visit the Manor, but the Regimental Surgeon
came often, and sometimes stayed late. He, perhaps, could have given
Madame Lavilette the best advice and warning; but, in truth, he enjoyed