"You must not say that word again; and no one else must. I hope to root out even the thought of it from every mind." "You'll have to use witchcraft," thought Landolin; but nevertheless he wondered what the lady had to say. When the two rose, Peter came from behind the nut-tree. It was strange, one met Peter everywhere. It seemed as though he had come out of the wall, or through the steps. Without paying any attention to the fact that his sudden appearance must be surprising, Peter said, very submissively: "Madam does us great honor in coming to see us. Great folks know what is the proper thing to do. They are the best, after all." Landolin opened his eyes wide at hearing Peter talk thus. "Where has the boy learned it all?" The lady, too, looked at him in astonishment; but Peter went on composedly: "Madam, my father keeps no secrets from me. May I not know what news you bring us?" With these words Peter fixed his eyes sternly upon his father, that he might not be able to give the lady the slightest sign, even with his eye. But the judge's wife helped him out, for she replied: "What I wish or bring is for your father alone; but I am heartily glad that you and your father are in such unison. A child that is not good to his parents never prospers in this world." Peter chuckled. It is delicious how every one dissembles. Of course the lady knows how he and his father stand toward one another, and yet she plays the hypocrite. He laughed again and again until his father said to him: "Send something for the lady to eat and drink to the upper room; but don't wake your mother." As Landolin and Madam Pfann went up the stairs, Landolin stepped as lightly as the lady. In the upper room, where Thoma's outfit was stored, the air was close. The judge's wife quickly opened the window, and then turned to Landolin, and looked at him with the clear, friendly glance before which harshness and obduracy seemed always to disappear. Wherever she came, she diffused peace and calmness and noble graciousness. A maid-servant brought food and drink. Landolin went to the doors to see that no one was listening, and then said, with a modest politeness that was quite new for him: "Pray be seated on the sofa; and permit me now to ask what you have to tell me?" CHAPTER LVIII. "Mr. Ex-Bailiff," began the lady. "Please say simply Landolin, without the Mr. or ex-bailiff." "Well then, Landolin, a while ago you said a word which I will not repeat. You said it in derision, in anger and vexation. Landolin, you are acquitted, but I wish that you would acquit yourself, and that you can do to-day, to me, by my help." "Madam, I went to confession to-day, to the priest, at church." "Very well. I don't mix myself in church affairs; but I see in your eyes, I see in your heart, that you have a feeling like one who strives to hide a secret sorrow, and thinks that it is not seen. You do not feel yourself free, and clear, and at ease."