"Monseigneur," Martin-Guerre replied, "I was cudgelling my brain to solve in some degree the enigma of our friend this morning."
"Well, how have you succeeded?" asked Gabriel, smiling.
"Very indifferently, alas! Monseigneur. If I must confess it, I have been able to see nothing but darkness, however widely I have opened my eyes."
"But I told you, Martin, that I thought I could see something better than that."
"What is it, Monseigneur? I am almost dead trying to find out."
"The time has not come to tell you," said Gabriel.
"You are still devoted to me, Martin?"
"Does Monseigneur put that as a question?"
"No, Martin, I say it by way of commendation. Now I appeal to this devotion of which I speak. You must for a time forget yourself, forget the shadow which darkens your life, and which we will drive away hereafter. I promise you. But at present I need you, Martin."
"So much the better! so much the better! so much the better!" cried Martin-Guerre.