That sweet, tender voice, and the way in which Isaure looked at him, revived hope in Edouard’s heart, while it produced an entirely contrary effect upon Alfred. He frowned, moved about impatiently, and exclaimed:
"Let us go, it’s time!"
And he instantly left the cottage, much less satisfied than when he had entered, dragging away Edouard, who would gladly have remained longer.
Only a word, a glance, a smile from beauty is necessary to make us happy or to destroy our hopes.
On leaving the cottage the young men saw the stranger seated on the ground a few yards away. According to his custom, he was watching them, and his face wore its habitual mocking expression. Alfred dropped Edouard’s arm and walked toward the vagabond, who remained calmly in his place. When he stood in front of him, Alfred said to him in a haughty tone:
"You seem to spy upon all our actions, and you look at us with an expression that I don’t like. I am not fond of insolent or inquisitive people, I give you fair warning."
The stranger leaned back, and merely replied:
"I am like you: I am not fond of insolent or inquisitive people. I have always avoided the latter and have found a way to punish the former."
"Do you mean that for a challenge?" said Alfred, with a contemptuous glance at the stranger.
"A challenge! Oh! dear me, no! I no longer amuse myself in that way. Other times, other manners. As for your actions, it isn’t necessary to watch them long to understand them, as well as your schemes."