Jacques Ferrand, already completely under the charm, but not wishing to
awaken the suspicions of Cecily, said to her, in a cross tone, that she was
a fool to have such fears; but he promised that the next day the bolt
should be arranged. The Creole did not go to bed.

In the morning the notary came to instruct her as to her duties. He
intended to preserve, during the first day, a hypocritical reserve toward
his new servant in order to inspire her with confidence; but, struck with
her beauty, Which, in the broad daylight seemed still more dazzling,
blinded, and carried away by his feelings, he stammered forth some
compliments on her figure and beauty.

She, with rare sagacity, had judged from her first interview with the
notary, that he was completely under the charm, at the avowal which he made
of his _flame,_ she thought she would at once throw off her feigned
timidity, and change her mask. The Creole then assumed all at once a bold
air. Jacques Ferrand went into new ecstasies, on the beauty of features,
and the enchanting figure of his new maid.

"Look me full in the face," said Cecily, resolutely; "although dressed as
an Alsatian peasant, do I look like a servant?"

"What do you mean to say?" cried Jacques Ferrand.

"Mark this hand--is it accustomed to rude labor?"

And she showed a white and charming hand, with slender and delicate
fingers, the long nails polished like agate, but of which the
slightly-shaded crown betrayed the mixed blood.