"I've just come from...." he began, but his employer cut him short. "That is enough," said M. Vulfran, sternly. "I can tell by your breath and the way you walk that you are drunk." "I was just going to say, sir," began William again, as he untied the horse, but at that moment he dropped the whip and stooping down, he tried three times to grasp it. The manager looked grave. "I think it would be better if I drove you to Maraucourt," he said. "I am afraid you would not be safe with William." "Why so?" demanded William insolently. "Silence," commanded M. Vulfran, in a tone that admitted of no reply. "From this moment you can consider yourself dismissed from my service." "But, sir, I was going to say...." With an uplifted motion of his hand M. Vulfran stopped him and turned to his manager. "Thank you, Benoist," he said, "but I think this little girl can drive me home. Coco is as quiet as a lamb, and she can well replace this drunken creature." He was assisted into the carriage, and Perrine took her place beside him. She was very grave, for she felt the responsibility of her position. "Not too quickly," said M. Vulfran, when she touched Coco with the end of her whip. "Oh, please, sir, I don't want to go quickly, I assure you," she said, nervously. "That's a good thing; let her just trot." There was a great surprise in the streets of Maraucourt when the villagers saw the head of the firm seated beside a little girl wearing a hat of black straw and a black dress, who was gravely driving old Coco at a straight trot instead of the zigzag course that William forced the old animal to take in spite of herself. What was happening? Where was this little girl going? They questioned one another as they stood at the doors, for few people in the village knew of her and of the position that M. Vulfran had given her. When they arrived at Mother Françoise's house, Aunt Zenobie was leaning over the gate talking to two women. When she caught sight of Perrine she stared in amazement, but her look of astonishment was quickly followed by her best smile, the smile of a real friend. "Good day, Monsieur Vulfran! Good day, Mademoiselle Aurelie!" she called out. As soon as the carriage had passed she told her neighbors how she had procured the fine position for the young girl who had been their boarder. She had recommended her so highly to Skinny. "She's a nice girl, though," she added, "and she'll not forget what she owes us. She owes it all to us." If the villagers had been surprised to see Perrine driving M. Vulfran, Talouel was absolutely stunned. "Where is William?" he cried, hurrying down the steps of the veranda to meet his employer. "Sent off for continual drunkenness," said M. Vulfran, smiling. "I had supposed that you would take this step eventually," said Talouel. "Exactly," replied his employer briefly.