She looked over her shoulder at Karen; the two young girls exchanged a smile; then Valentine marched off with her colossal liar.
CHAPTER XX
BEFORE DINNER
Michaud, head forester, had taken off his grey felt hat respectfully when Valentine introduced him to Guild, there in the lantern light of the winter sheep fold. A dozen or more men standing near by in shadowy groups had silently uncovered at the same time. Two wise-looking sheep dogs, squatted on their haunches, looked at him.
Then the girl had left Guild there and returned to the house.
"I should like to have a few moments quiet conversation with you," said Guild; and the stalwart, white-haired forester stepped quietly aside with him, following the younger man until they were out of earshot of those gathered by the barred gate of the fold.
"You are Belgian?" inquired Guild pleasantly.
"De Trois Fontaines, monsieur."