"In spite of us?"
"In spite of you, of Calabash, of Nicholas, and all blackguards like him."
"Really, you make me laugh."
From the lips of this woman, with her repulsive and ferocious look, these words were horrible.
"I tell you I will remain here until I find the means of gaining my livelihood elsewhere with the children. Alone, I should not long be unemployed, for I could return to the woods; but, on their account, I may be some time in finding what I am seeking for. In the meanwhile, here I remain."
"Oh, you remain until the moment when you can take away the children?"
"Exactly as you say."
"Take away the children?"
"When I say to them 'Come!' they will come; and quickly too, I promise you."
The widow shrugged her shoulders, and replied: