Willie had never analysed the various mental and physical emotions which are vaguely called love, and reflected upon this charge.
"I expect that I do," said he, arriving at a judgment.
Marie sprang to her feet.
"Que tu es bête," she roared, "bête comme un sauvage. You are the—the—limit. I go." She dashed away through the woods in a fury. Willatopy grinned as he watched her disappear. His first rapture in the conquest of Marie Lambert was quickly wearing thin, and though he did not wish to part with his white mistress, a little of her society went a long way.
"I wonder," he murmured, "if the she-devil speaks truth, and that Madame is a widow. I will ask her."
* * * * * * *
Madame was lying in a rest chair at the entrance to her tent when Marie arrived. She calmly surveyed the girl who came to a halt before her and awaited orders. She allowed Marie a reasonable amount of time off every afternoon, but on this occasion the maid had outstayed her leave.
"Where have you been?" asked Madame.
"I met the Misses Toppys," explained Marie, "and they detained me. I thought that you would wish me to show the young ladies every respect. I did not like to leave them before they desired to return."