The mule lost no time but headed for the distant corral at a canter; and Burley, grinning like a great, splendid, intelligent dog who has just done something to be proud of, stepped into the market cart and seated himself beside Maryette.
"Who told you where I am going?" she asked, scarcely knowing whether to laugh or let loose her indignation.
"Your father, Carillonnette."
"Why did you follow me?"
"I had nothing else to do——"
"Is that the reason?"
"I like to be with you——"
"Really, monsieur! And you think it was not necessary to consult my wishes?"
"Don't you like to be with me?" he asked, so naïvely that the girl blushed and bit her lip and shook the reins without replying.
They jogged on through the disused by[pg 195]way, the filbert bushes brushing axle and traces; but presently the little donkey relapsed into a walk again, and the girl, who had counted on that procedure when she started from Sainte Lesse, did not urge him.