Marie said not a word, but disappeared without even looking at me.
"And why was it wrong?" said I to that excellent woman. "If I had told you who I was, your scruples would never have allowed you to treat me with such freedom and cordial affection as you have always manifested towards me. I should have remained towards you the master of this farm, and would never have become your friend."
"There can be no safe, no possible friendship except between equals, M. le comte," said Madame Kerouët, with great coolness.
"But in what way are our positions different at the present hour? If my friendship was pleasant to you until now, why should we change our relations? Why should we forget four or five months of charming intimacy?"
"I shall not forget them, M. le comte, but they shall give place to sentiments more suitable to the modest position of Marie and myself."
One of the farm women came then to find Madame Kerouët, and begged her to go to Marie.
She bowed to me respectfully and went out. I left the farm in a violent rage with my overseer.
Then I reflected that, after all, this incognito could not be kept up for ever, and, though the discovery might have been a shock to Marie, it certainly would not alter her love for me.
SERVAL, 15th December, 18—.
I have seen Marie once more.