Mauprat
me any ill-will, and you may be very sure that I am not your enemy."
"I know nothing about it," I answered; "it is as you please. Look after my cousin; take her home safely. For my own part, I need nothing and care for no one. A bundle of straw and a glass of wine, that is all I should like, if it were possible to have them."
"You shall have both," said Marcasse, handing me his flask, "but first of all here is something to cheer you up. I am going to the stable to get the horse ready."
"No, I will go myself," said Patience; "you see to the wants of this young man."
And he passed into another lower hall, which served as a stable for the curé's horse during the visits which the good priest paid him. They brought the animal through the room where we were; and Patience, after arranging the curé's cloak on the saddle, with fatherly care helped Edmée to mount.
"One moment," she said, before letting them lead her out. " Monsieur le Curé, will you promise me on the salvation of your soul not to leave my cousin before I return with my father to fetch him?"
"I promise solemnly," replied the curé.
"And you, Bernard," said Edmée, "will you give me your word of honour to wait for me here?"
"I can't say," I answered; "that will depend on the length of your absence and on my patience; but you know quite well, cousin, that we shall meet again, even if it be in hell; and for my part, the sooner the better."
By the light of the brand which Patience was holding to examine the horse's harness, I saw her beautiful face flush and then turn pale. Then she raised her eyes,
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