If any astonishment is felt that a man of such vigor and audacity had not
had recourse to cunning or violence to triumph over the calculated
resistance of Cecily, it must not be forgotten that Cecily was not a second
Louise. Besides, the next day after her presentation to the notary, she had
played quite another part than the simple country lass, under whose
semblance she had been introduced to her master, or he would not have been
the dupe of his servant for two consecutive days.

Instructed of the fate of Louise by Baron de Graun, and knowing by what
abominable means the unfortunate daughter of Morel had become the prey of
the notary, the Creole, entering into this solitary house, had taken
excellent precautions to pass the first night in security.

The evening of her arrival, remaining alone with Jacques Ferrand, who, in
order not to alarm her, affected hardly to look at her, and told her,
roughly, to go to bed, she avowed innocently, that at night she was very
much afraid of thieves, but that she was strong, resolute, and ready to
defend herself.

"With what?" asked Jacques Ferrand.

"With this," answered the Creole, drawing from the ample woolen pelisse in
which she was wrapped up a little dagger, of high finish, which made the
notary reflect.

Yet, persuaded that his new servant only feared _robbers,_ he conducted her
to the room she was to occupy (the former chamber of Louise). After having
examined the localities, Cecily told him, trembling, with her eyes cast
down, that, from fear, she would pass her night on a chair, because she saw
on the door neither lock nor bolt.