secret; and she will attend you without curiosity and without stupidity. Then I must hasten back to the château before the family are about, lest my absence should suggest your place of retreat."
He left the room, and presently returned with a brisk, brown little maiden, whom he presented as,—
"My sister Clotilde, monsieur, and your hostess."
François bowed gravely and courteously; and Clotilde dropped a respectful courtesy, saying shyly, yet eagerly,—
"Monsieur is very welcome; and I have already told the abbé how discreet and how attentive I will try to be to his friend. Monsieur will excuse the poor place, I am sure."
"I am most grateful for its shelter, mademoiselle, and only sorry to make you trouble," replied François in his grand, grave fashion; and Clotilde, dropping another courtesy, followed her brother from the room, saying,—
"As soon as old Nannette has gone to mass, and my father and Henri are in the shop, I will bring monsieur some breakfast."
"Any time, any thing," replied François wearily; and, as the door closed, he threw himself into a chair, and laid his head upon his folded arms on the table. After all, he was only a boy.
That evening with his supper Clotilde brought her prisoner a note which she handed to him saying,—
"It is a billet, monsieur, which I found in a parcel of linen sent me by my brother the abbé; and I think it must be for you, since Vincent knows I do not read writing, although I can make out print very well."
