"Do as you think best," she said. "I give you full power to act for me."
"Then, if you will allow me, I shall have your property revalued, and fresh leases made. This will double your income, and it will only cost you a trifle—a factor's fee, in fact."
Theudelinde was like a child in her joy—like a child in her submission to her spiritual adviser, to whom she looked up as a father, a counsellor, a true friend.
All this he might be; but it was also true that from the date of this conversation the owner of Bondavara lost her hold on her own property forever.
CHAPTER IX
"AN OBSTINATE FELLOW"
Countess Theudelinde was beside herself with joy. She ran to her bell-apparatus, touched the spring, and the machine put itself into motion.
"What are you doing, countess?" asked the abbé, in some amazement.
"I am desiring my steward to be sent for at once."
"By what messenger?"