ringiers?"

"Well--the truth is--not exactly her wish; but you see, my dear sir, it
is a delicate affair--your remaining here, now that you are almost quite
recovered, upon which I congratulate you--and--and--"

"Go on, sir!"

"Your remaining here any longer--under the circumstances--would be--you
can judge for yourself, sir--would be, in fact, a thing that would be
talked about in the neighbourhood--in fact, considered highly improper."

"Hold, Monsieur Gayarre! I am old enough not to require lessons in
etiquette from you, sir."

"I beg pardon, sir. I do not mean that but--I--you will observe--I, as
the lawful guardian of the young lady--"

"Enough, sir. I understand you perfectly. For _your purposes, whatever
they be_, you do not wish me to remain any longer on this plantation.
Your desire shall be gratified. I shall leave the place, though
certainly not with any intention of accommodating you. I shall go hence
this very evening."

The words upon which I had placed emphasis, startled the coward like a
galvanic shock. I saw him turn pale as they were uttered, and the
wrinkles deepened about his eyes. I had touched a chord, which he
deemed a secret one, and its music sounded harsh to him. Lawyer-like,
however, he commanded himself, and without taking notice of my
insinuation, replied in a tone of whining hypocrisy--

"My dear monsieur! I regret this necessity; but the fact is, you see--
the world--the busy, meddling world--"

"Spare your homilies, sir! Your business, I fancy, is ended; at all
events your company is no longer desired."

"Humph!" muttered he. "I regret you should take it in this way--I am
sorry--"

And with a string of similar incoherent phrases he made his exit.

I stepped up to the door and looked after, to see which way he would
take. He walked direct to the house! I saw him go in!

This visit and its object had taken me by surprise, though I had not
been without some anticipation of such an event. The conversation I had
overheard between him and the doctor rendered it probable that such
would be the result; though I hardly expected being obliged to change my
quarters so soon. For another week or two I had intended to stay where
I was. When quite recovered, I should have moved to the hotel of my own
accord.

I felt vexed, and for several reasons. It chagrined me to think that
this wretch possessed such a controlling influence; for I did not
believe that Mademoiselle