THE DEVIL'S POOL
written there, and every girl knows how to read that writing."
Marie looked into Germain's eyes with playful boldness; then of a sudden she turned away her head and trembled.
"Good God," exclaimed Germain, "I make you afraid; you look at me as though I were the farmer of Ormeaux. Don't be afraid of me, please don't; that hurts me too much. I shall not say any bad words to you, I shall not kiss you if you will not have me, and when you wish me to go away, you have only to show me the door. Must I go in order to stop your trembling?"
Marie held out her hand toward the husbandman, but without turning her head, which was bent on the fireplace, and without saying a word.
"I understand," said Germain. "You pity me, for you are kind; you are sorry to make me unhappy; but you can't love me."
"Why do you say these things to me, Germain?" answered little Marie, after a pause. "Do you wish to make me cry?"
"Poor little girl, you have a kind heart, I know; but you don't love me, and you are hiding your face for fear of letting me see your dislike and your re-
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