"It is certain that I should never have dreamed of it myself. She has been for three weeks at the chateau, and I have hardly dared to kiss her hand. Some days ago we were in the park, and I tried to advance a little further, but she supplicated me to let her go in so touching a voice, it affects me in a manner which I cannot account for, but I was nearly heartbroken at having caused her pain; since that time she has not left her room. When near me, she is fearful, embarrassed, and always in tears." "All that will end, when you have made her yours, monseigneur." "Have you seen her lover? This Urbain of whom she talks incessantly, and whom she calls at every moment of the day." "No, monseigneur, and I presume that young Urbain, more reasonable than Blanche, has already forgotten that little love affair." "The poor little thing is always thinking of him. If I could persuade her that he no longer loves her,--she would not, however, believe me. But in speaking to you of Blanche I forget the motive which induced me to send for you. You can never divine whom I met the day before yesterday, in the evening, in my park--Julia." "Julia!" cried the barber, starting with surprise. "Yes, she had entered these premises. But how could she have discovered that I was here?" "I can't imagine, monseigneur." "She had the audacity to threaten me, jealousy and rage shone in her eyes; she also spoke to me of you. I didn't understand all she was saying to me, and she disappeared when I was about to force her to explain further." "Monseigneur, this young girl has some evil design." "I think that, also. However, she has not reappeared since, and every evening my people make a general search in the park." "No matter, Julia will do her utmost to take Blanche away from you." "How do you think she will do it? You must visit the neighborhood, and if you discover Julia, tell her from me that I forbid her to present herself on these premises. If she still dares to come I can easily obtain a lettre-de-cachet, which will relieve me from her importunities." "That will be the best thing you can do, monseigneur. Tomorrow I'll begin my researches." "During the time which you are at the chateau, avoid passing through the park by the side of the lake, for you might be seen by Blanche, and I don't wish that she shall know you are here; I don't think that the sight of you would give her pleasure, and I desire to keep her from all that might add to her grief." "I've never seen monseigneur so much in love." "No, never has any woman inspired me with that which I feel for Blanche." "I'm going to get some rest. Tomorrow at daybreak I shall take my way; I will search the neighborhood, I will visit the smallest cottages; Julia cannot evade my search, and as soon as I know where she is, I answer for it, monseigneur, that you will not see her again."