"
Germain shuddered. He looked at Marie: she was pale, her clothes were
torn by the brambles through which she had run, seeking the thickest
underbrush, like a doe with the hunters on her track. But there was
neither despair nor shame on her face.
"Your master wants to speak to you," he said, still watching her
features.
"My master?" she said proudly; "that man is not my master and never will
be!--You are my master, you, Germain. I want you to take me back with
you--will work for you for nothing!"
The farmer had ridden forward, feigning some impatience.
"Ah! little one," he said, "you forgot something which I have brought
you."
"No, no, monsieur," replied little Marie, "I didn't forget anything, and
there's nothing I want to ask you for--"
"Hark ye a minute," said the farmer, "I have something to say to
you!--Come!--don't be afraid--just two words."
"You can say them out loud. I have no secrets with you."
"Come and get your money, at least."
"My money? You don't owe me anything, thank God!"
"I suspected as much," said Germain in an undertone; "but never mind,
Marie, listen to what he has to say to you--for, for my part, I am
curious to find out. You can tell me afterward: I have my reasons for
that. Go beside his horse--I won't lose sight of you.
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