"What is the matter, my dear Jean Oullier?" she asked. "Why do you look so gloomy when I should expect, on the contrary, to see you joyful?"
"Why should I be joyful?" asked the old keeper.
"Because a good and faithful servant like you shares in the happiness of his masters; and I think your young mistress looks happy enough to have a little of her joy reflected in your face."
"God grant her joy may last!" replied Jean Oullier, with a doubtful smile.
"Why, Jean, surely you do not object to marriages of inclination! For my part, I love them; they are the only ones I have ever, in all my life, been willing to help on."
"I have no objection to such marriages," replied Jean Oullier; "but I have a great objection to this husband."
"Why?"
Jean Oullier did not reply.
"Speak," said Petit-Pierre.
The Vendéan shook his head.