It has been already stated that Thibault was a handsome young fellow, with fine eyes and black hair, and that his travels had left him something better than a mere workman. And it must further be borne in mind that we readily become attached to those on whom we have conferred a benefit, and Agnelette had, in all probability, saved Thibault’s life; for, under such strokes as Marcotte’s, the victim would certainly have been dead before the thirty-sixth had been given. “Yes,” she said, “if it would be a good thing for my grandmother?” Thibault took hold of her hand. “Well then, Agnelette,” he said “we will speak again about this, dear child, and that as soon as may be.” “Whenever you like, Monsieur Thibault.” “And you will promise faithfully to love me if I marry you, Agnelette?” “Do you think I should love any man besides my husband?” “Never mind, I want you just to take a little oath, something of this kind, for instance; Monsieur Thibault, I swear that I will never love anyone but you.” “What need is there to swear? the promise of an honest girl should be sufficient for an honest man.” “And when shall we have the wedding, Agnelette?” and in saying this, Thibault tried to put his arm round her waist. But Agnelette gently disengaged herself. “Come and see my grandmother,” she said, “it is for her to decide about it; you must content yourself this evening with helping me up with my load of heath, for it is getting late, and it is nearly three miles from here to Préciamont.” So Thibault helped her as desired, and then accompanied her on her way home as far as the Forest-fence of Billemont, that is until they came in sight of the village steeple. Before parting, he so begged of pretty Agnelette to give him one kiss as an earnest of his future happiness, that at last she consented, and then, far more agitated by this one kiss than she had been by the Baron’s double embrace, Agnelette hastened on her way, in spite of the load which she was carrying on her head, and which seemed far too heavy for so slender and delicate a creature.