“No,” interrupted Colin, “it is not worth that. I bought it at Vence for Marietta for a hundred livres.”
“You bought it, sir brazen face?” shrieked the Justice, and his whole face became like Marietta’s hat-hand. He could not and would not say more, for he dreaded a disagreeable investigation of the matter.
But Colin was vexed at the imputation, and said: “I sent this cup on the evening of the fair, by your own servant, to Marietta. There stands Jacques in the door. Speak, Jacques, did I not give thee the box to carry to Mother Manon?”
Monsieur Hautmartin wished to interrupt this conversation by speaking loudly. But the simple Jacques said: “Only recollect, Justice, you took away Colin’s box from me, and carried what was in it to Mother Manon. The box lies there under the papers.”
Then the bailiffs were ordered to remove the simpleton; and Colin was also directed to retire, until he should be sent for again.
“Very well, Mr. Justice,” interposed Colin, “but this business shall be your last in Napoule. I know this, that you would ingratiate yourself with Mother Manon and Marietta by means of my property. When you want me, you will have to ride to Grasse to the Governor’s.” With that, Colin departed.
Monsieur Hautmartin was quite puzzled with this affair, and in his confusion knew not what he was about. Manon shook her head. The affair was dark and mysterious to her. “Who will now pay me for the broken cup?” she asked.
“To me,” said Marietta, with glowing, brightened countenance, “to me it is already paid for.”