"Well, you are rich and a widow; I'm sure she's after you as a daughter-in-law. ... That I'd take my oath on! ... Oh, she has her head screwed on her shoulders! A fine lady like you for her penniless beggar of a son, a good-for-nothing who can't put his hand to anything! ..."
Gilberte listened to her in utter confusion. Wasn't it possible to remain hidden and unknown? Were there really people who spied on others, who tried to fathom the mystery of their lives and actually plotted against them?
But Adèle said, in a big, fond voice:
"Don't you worry yourself, ma Bonne Demoiselle. I'm here and I'll look after you and look after your money. Oh, the grocer and the butcher and the rest had best mind what they're about! ... You let me be: you won't be overcharged any more. ... And then Bouquetot is there and my son Antoine: they're decent fellows both ... and fell in love with you at once ...
