I will join my efforts to yours." Blushing and embarrassed, Marie-Anne dared not thank him.

How was she about to reward his generosity?
By vilely traducing him.

Ah! she would infinitely have preferred to see him angry and revengeful.
Just then a valet opened the door, and the Duc de Sairmeuse, still in full uniform, entered.
"Upon my word!" he exclaimed, as he crossed the threshold, "I must confess that Chupin is an admirable hunter.

Thanks to him----" He paused abruptly; he had not perceived Marie-Anne until now.
"The daughter of that scoundrel Lacheneur!" said he, with an air of the utmost surprise.

"What does she desire here ?" The decisive moment had come--the life of the baron hung upon Marie-Anne's courage and address.