"Madame does not like me because I go to the heretic school. And—I do not sew nor spin, nor sweep the house—"
"There is no need," interrupted Pani.
"No, since I do not mean to have a husband."
And yet—how amusing it was—a boy and a man were ready to quarrel over her. Did ever any little girl have two lovers?
"Ah, little one, smile over it now, but thou wilt change presently when the right bird whistles through the forest."
"I will not come for any man's whistle."
"That is only a saying, dear."
They walked down the hill. Cheerful greetings met them and Pani was loaded with fruit. At the hut of Wenonah, the mistress insisted upon their coming in to supper and Jeanne consented for them both. For, although the bell rang, the gates were no longer closed at six.
Marie De Ber made several efforts to see her friend, but her mother's watchful eye nipped them in the bud. One Friday afternoon they met. Wednesday following was to be the betrothal.
"I wanted to explain—" Marie flushed and hesitated. "There have been many guests asked, and they are mostly older people—"