"The Marquis de Sairmeuse will be our spy." He was, for he soon resumed his daily visits to the cottage.

It was now December, and the roads were terrible; but neither rain, snow, nor mud could keep Martial from the cottage.
He made his appearance generally as early as ten o'clock, seated himself upon a stool in the shadow of a tall fireplace, and he and Marie-Anne talked by the hour.
She seemed greatly interested in matters at Montaignac, and he told her all that he knew in regard to affairs there.
Sometimes they were alone.
Lacheneur, Chanlouineau, and Jean were tramping about the country with their merchandise.

Business was prospering so well that M.Lacheneur had purchased a horse in order to extend his journeys.
But Martial's conversation was generally interrupted by visitors.

It was really surprising to see how many peasants came to the house to speak to M.Lacheneur.There was an interminable procession of them.

And to each of these peasants Marie-Anne had something to say in private.