“Yes, M. Marcel, I have arranged a bed very comfortably in the attic. Now, I am no longer uneasy. Still, so long as there are doubtful characters in the neighbourhood, I shall sleep with one eye open.” “In my opinion, the people to whom you allude have intentions on the works rather than on the laboratory.” “I cannot tell, M. Marcel. There are sufficient mixed characters in the company which has come here the last few days.” “One would imagine you had discovered something extraordinary.” Baudoin bent his head. He was afraid he had said too much, and recalled to mind Laforêt’s prudent advice. “Oh! I am not clever enough for that; but I warn you, M. Marcel, to be on your guard. Have confidence in no one—in no one!” He left the room, leaving Marcel astonished at his persistence. What was the meaning of this mysterious warning his servant kept giving him? Did he know more than he meant to tell? To whom did he allude when he said, ‘In no one.’ The beautiful and charming silhouette of Madame Vignola sprang up in his imagination. Was it of her that he ought to be on his guard? He pictured her again in her dreamy, careless attitude, promenading sorrowfully in the woods of Bossicant. What had he to fear from her? What danger could she make him incur, except that of adoring her without obtaining a return of affection? There, indeed, was a very grave and serious peril! It was the most dreadful he could imagine just then, and one against which he felt himself utterly helpless. To love, without obtaining love in return! What would become of him if such a misfortune befell him? He could not think of it without a kind of distraction, so long as the young woman was mistress of his heart and mind. For a few moments he walked up and down the laboratory with anxious mien, and only halted when he heard the door open. It was Uncle Graff. “You know we have to meet the syndicate of workmen this morning, at ten o’clock?” “Yes; I have not forgotten.” “What is the matter with you? You do not appear at your ease. Is there anything that troubles you?” “Nothing whatever; it is simply this distressing situation that makes me anxious. Now that you have spoken to Cardez, uncle, what is it the workmen want?” “Oh, several things! In the first place, less work and more pay. Afterwards, themselves to nominate their own overseer. To have personal administration of the pension and assistance funds. To submit to no stoppage of wages for insurance against accidents. _Mon Dieu_! On all these points some understanding may be reached, and I am quite disposed to meet them half way. But there is on the point of being formulated a final demand which may render all conciliation impossible.” “What is that!” “They will demand the dismissal of Cardez, who is accused by the workmen of being extremely severe in enforcing the regulations.” “Dismiss the director? To-morrow they will want to send us away also.”