On hearing the names of the marquis and of Marie-Anne, the robust farmer had turned livid.

"It is decided," said Lacheneur, with an air of the lost satisfaction, "that they will give me the ten thousand francs bequeathed to me by Mademoiselle Armande.

Moreover, I am to fix upon such a sum as I consider a just recompense for my services.

And that is not all; they have offered me the position of manager at Sairmeuse; and I was to be allowed to occupy the gamekeeper's cottage, where I lived so long.

But on reflection I refused this offer.