a
secret. Then she realized that he was questioning her, and that his
request for a dictionary was only a pretext. Why did he need an English
dictionary if he could not understand a word of English?

"Yes, monsieur," she said.

"Is the translation coming along all right?" he asked.

She felt that he was bending over her, that his eyes were fixed on what
she had translated. Quickly she moved her paper, turning it so that he
could only see it sideways.

"Oh, please, sir," she exclaimed; "don't read it. It is not correct ...
it is all confused. I was just trying."

"Oh, never mind that."

"Oh, but I do mind. I should be ashamed to let you see this."

He wanted to take the sheet of paper, but she put both her small hands
over it. She determined to hold her own even with one of the heads of
the house.

Until then he had spoken pleasantly to her.

"Now give it to me," he said briefly. "I'm not playing schoolmaster with
a pretty little girl like you."

"But, sir, it is impossible; I can't let you see it," she said
obstinately.

Laughingly he tried to take it from her, but she resisted him.

"No, I will not let you have it," she said with determination.

"Oh, this is a joke!" replied Theodore.

"It is not a joke; I am very serious," said little Perrine. "Monsieur
Vulfran forbade me to let anyone see this letter. I am obeying him."

"It was I who opened it."

"The letter in English is not the translation."

"Oh, my uncle will show me this wonderful translation presently," he
replied.

"If your uncle shows it, very well; but that won't be me showing it. He
gave me his orders and I must obey him."

He saw by her resolute attitude that if he wanted the paper he would
have to take it from her by force. But then, if he did so, she would
probably call out. He did not dare go as far as that.

"I am delighted to see how faithfully you carry out my uncle's orders,
even in trivial things," he said, sarcastically, leaving the room.

When he had gone and closed the door Perrine tried to go on with her
work, but she was so upset she found it impossible to do so. She knew
that Theodore was not delighted, as he had said, but furious. If he
intended to make her pay for thwarting his will, how could she defend
herself against such a powerful enemy? He could crush her with the first
blow and she would have to leave.

The door was again opened and Talouel, with gliding step, came into the
room. His eyes fell at once o