Although Landolin, who was sitting on the bench before the house, saw the lady coming, he did not move, but kept on cracking nuts in his hand, and shelling out the kernels. Not until she had drawn very near did he rise and say:
"Good-day, Madam. Will you not rest here a little while?"
"Yes; I was just coming to see you."
"May I ask what news you bring me?"
"Properly speaking, none. Or perhaps--I hope----
"Well! what is it?"
"I would like to talk with you in the house; not here."
"My wife, I'm sorry to say, is sick. It's nothing serious, but she might wake up."
"Then take me to the upper room."
"If you wish, why not? But are you not afraid to be alone with a murderer?"