At this juncture Bertrand entered the courtyard; he approached his master, unseen by him, and said:
“Did I hear monsieur call me?”
“Why, no! I didn’t call you,” replied Auguste angrily, dropping Denise’s hand; “you always appear at the wrong time. Is it proper to interrupt people when they are talking together?”
“Pardon, lieutenant, I didn’t hear you say anything; I didn’t know people talked without speaking.”
“Leave us, Bertrand.”
Bertrand made a half wheel to the left and went toward the garden; but as he passed Denise, who, although she said that she was going, did not go, and seemed very busy with her little cheeses, the corporal said to her in an undertone:
“Look out for yourself!”
Auguste once more approached Denise, who had started in surprise at Bertrand’s words.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Nothing, monsieur, but I must go.”