After several expressions of gratitude on the lady’s part, and opposition on mine to Marguerite’s giving up her bed, this arrangement was agreed to. As the room was small, the Baroness immediately dismissed her male domestics: Baptiste was on the point of conducting them to the barn which he had mentioned when two young men appeared at the door of the cottage.

“Hell and Furies!” exclaimed the first starting back; “Robert, the house is filled with strangers!”

“Ha! There are my sons!” cried our host. “Why, Jacques! Robert! whither are you running, boys? There is room enough still for you.”