“Humph! And pray what is to be the end of this?” He jerked his hand back in the direction of the arbour.
The old man assumed a look of impenetrable stupidity.
“I do not understand. Herr Maurice is very kind and generous. He comes here often, and has made us many presents.”
“Nonsense, man! That is not the way to talk to me. Do you think I am blind? But perhaps I ought to tell you my name, and then you may know who I am. Have you heard of Auguste Bernal?”
Franz bowed with deep respect. The name was well known to every one connected with the Court.
“His Majesty’s friend?” he said.
“Yes. Understand that my only interest in this matter is a friendly one. I wish no ill to you or your charming little daughter. But what advice am I to give to my friend Maurice? You are not a fool, and you must know what an affair like this is likely to lead to.”
The forester drew himself up and gave his questioner a cunning leer.
“I have seen to that,” he said. “I have spoken to Herr Maurice already. He has promised to make me Ranger of the forest, and to settle a pension on Dorothea for life.”
He spoke with an air of pride, like one who feels that he has done everything that can reasonably be expected of him, and come well out of a trying situation.