The roads were filled with people, and the widow marched proudly along, escorted by her three suitors, taking an arm, first of one and then of another, and carrying her head high with an air of importance. She was eager to display the fourth to the eyes of the passers-by; but Germain felt so ridiculous to be dragged along in the train of a petticoat where all the world might see, that he kept at a respectable distance, chatting with Father Leonard, and succeeded in occupying his attention so well that they did not look at all as if they belonged to the party. [Illustration: (Ornament)] XII The Master When they reached the village, the widow halted to allow them to catch up. She was bent upon making her entry with all her train; but Germain, denying her this pleasure, deserted Father Leonard, and after conversing with several acquaintances, he entered the church by another door. The widow was vexed. When mass was over, she made her appearance in triumph on the lawn, where dancing was going on, and she began her dance with her three lovers in turn. Germain watched her and saw that she danced well, but with affectation. “So, you don’t ask my daughter?” said Leonard, tapping him on the shoulder. “You are too easily frightened.” “I have not danced since I lost my wife,” answered the husbandman. “But now that you are looking for another, mourning’s over in heart as well as in clothes.” “That’s no reason, Father Leonard. Besides, I am too old and I don’t care for dancing.” “Listen,” said Father Leonard, drawing him toward a retired corner, “when you entered my house you were vexed to see the place already besieged, and I see that you are very proud. But that is not reasonable, my boy. My daughter is used to a great deal of attention, particularly since she left off her mourning two years ago, and it is not her place to lead you on.” “Has your daughter been thinking of marrying for two years already without making her choice?” asked Germain. “She doesn’t wish to hurry, and she is right. Although she has lively manners, and although you may not think that she reflects a great deal, she is a woman of excellent common sense, and knows very well what she is about.” “It does not appear to me so,” said Germain ingenuously, “for she has three suitors in her train, and if she knew her own mind, there are two of them, at least, whom she would find superfluous and request to stay at home.” “Why, Germain, you don’t understand at all. She doesn’t wish the old man, nor the blind man, nor the young man, I am quite certain; yet if she were to turn them off, people would think that she wished to remain a widow, and nobody else would come.” “Oh, I see. These three are used for a guide-post.” “As you like. What is the harm if they are satisfied?” “Every man to his taste,” said Germain. “I see that yours is different. Now supposing that you are chosen, then they would leave the coast clear.”