I do all I can not to think of
her; but whether I am at work or resting, whether I am at Mass or in my
bed, with my children or with you, I think of her all the time, and
can't think of anything else."
"Why, it's as if there'd been a spell cast on you, Germain, isn't it?
There's only one cure for it, and that is to make the girl change her
mind and listen to you. So I must take a hand in it, and see if it can
be done. You tell me where she lives and what her name is."
"Alas! my dear mother, I don't dare," said Germain, "for you'll laugh at
me."
"No, I won't laugh at you, Germain, because you're in trouble, and I
don't want to make it any worse for you. Can it be Fanchette?"
"No, mother, not her."
"Or Rosette?"
"No."
"Tell me, then, for I won't stop, if I have to name all the girls in the
province."
Germain hung his head, and could not make up his mind to reply.
"Well," said Mere Maurice, "I leave you in peace for to-day, Germain;
perhaps to-morrow you will feel more like trusting me, or your
sister-in-law will show more skill in questioning you."
And she picked up her basket to go and stretch her linen on the bushes.
Germain acted like children who make up their minds when they see that
you have ceased to pay any attention to them. He followed his
mother-in-law, and at last gave her the name in fear and trembling--_La
Guillette's little Marie_.
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