“‘Rather badly, Jeanette. I have dreamed continually, and it is impossible for me to give you an idea of all the dangers and precipices which I thought I overcame and crossed; it seems to me that I went over the mountain road which leads to the farm, but it was a very different road. I dreamed that our interview was prevented, I do not know how, and that I had a long walk home again. What can it all mean?’
“‘It is only the result of your wishes and preoccupation in regard to the young lady. She will soon return, and then these follies will disappear.’
“I very soon forgot all about what I have just described, and so did my servant, for neither of us attached any importance to a dream; but, after a short time, a messenger from the farm handed me a letter, in which my fiancée reproached me for my violence, my bad conduct and disobedience in going there in defiance of the commands and wishes of her father.
“‘What? I? No. Never! Tell your mistress that, although I have thought of going to see her, I have never carried out my desires; if I have not done so, it has not been through lack of courage and will on my part, but only because of my desire to please her and not to oppose her wishes.’
“‘But we saw you.’
“‘Me?’
“‘Yes, sir—you.’
“‘You are telling an untruth. I have not been out. My servant can corroborate that; and, further, I have nothing to lose by telling the truth.’
“‘That may be as you please, but it is true that you spoke to me; you questioned me on the subject of Mademoiselle—desired me to tell her that you were there and wished to speak to her.’