“Yes, sir.”
“Then these woods are easily within your reach. There are very few passers-by, and you may come whenever you wish.”
She murmured, in constrained accents, “A thousand thanks.”
Thereupon she moved away at a slow pace. Marcel stood there motionless, unable to remove his eyes from the ravishing figure, now slowly disappearing from view. Then he whistled for his dog, stroked him gently, as though to atone for his rough treatment a few moments previously, and returned, in pensive mood, to the works. After dinner he strolled about the garden, smoking, till nine o’clock; then, completely tired out, retired to rest for the night.
The following morning he spent all his time in the laboratory. Suddenly the door opened, and Baudoin appeared.
“Holla! You here?” said the young man. “Has my father sent you?”
“Yes, sir. I am requested by all the family to convey to you their best love. Besides, I have come to stay by your side.”
“For what purpose?”
“To be your servant.”
“Very good, Baudoin; make yourself at home. Your presence will be very useful here, in making things go all right. The inhabitants of this district are fine people on the whole, but not over-intelligent.”