Yesterday I went to the farm.
I was still irresolute as to what I ought to say in regard to the pirate.
I was talking with Marie and her aunt when my overseer entered.
I became very red, very much embarrassed; the man never noticed it; he made me a low and respectful bow.
"Tiens, you know M. Arthur?" asked Madame Kerouët.
"Have I the honour of knowing M. le comte?" repeated the overseer, with surprise.
"M. le comte!" cried out at the same time Marie and her aunt as they rose up with bewildered looks.
Fearing the man would put a bad interpretation on my reasons for hiding my name, I said to him: "You are very stupid, Rivière. I wished to get some information about the state of cultivation of this farm, as I thought of raising the rent, now you have come and spoiled all. Please go and wait for me at Serval, for I want to talk about it with you."
The overseer went out.
"You have deceived us, M. le comte!" said Madame Kerouët to me, with much dignity. "It was very wrong in you."