As her daughter went out, after having poured out a few spoonfuls of rum into the glass, she added:
“Tell Marie to take down one or two bottles of wine to Trélaz. He deserves them.”
According to the old Savoy custom, the farmer’s family lived in the basement of the house.
Paule had just finished clearing the table in the dining-room when the servant came back with a terrified face.
“Miss Paule, poor Miss Paule! What is this I hear?”
The girl looked her full in the face.
“M. Marcel!” continued Marie.
“Oh!” cried Paule in a hoarse voice, “be quiet! We will tell my mother to-morrow. It is soon enough.”
Old Marie checked her tears.
“It was Baron who told them downstairs. They knew about it in the village. Madame must not be told. It would give her such a shock! She must be prepared.” And admiring her young mistress’s strength, she said: “You are brave, that you are! You are like him!”