“That’s right, that’s right. Quick, another place! As for my chauffeur he can have his luncheon when we have finished.” “Your chauffeur?” “Yes, I left him outside in the automobile. He takes care of the car and I run it. A fine machine, eh?” * * * While the table was being set and Mme. Mairieux was being informed of the incident I told M. Mairieux how I had happened to reach the gate with my car. He condescended at last to take me seriously on account of the automobile’s forty horse power. That was the way I lunched for the first time with my future parents-in-law. Mme. Mairieux immediately took me under her protection, but Raymonde did not address a word to me. For my part, it is true, I paid no attention to the child. When I was well-fed and nourished and it was time for me to go, I repeated my offer of the cheque for the property. M. Mairieux, however, would not accept it. Instead, he gave me the address of the attorney whom Count d’Alligny had put in charge of the sale. “Is his office far from here?” I enquired. “The town is about nine or ten miles distant.” “I shall go there and sign the papers at once.” “Think it over a little longer,” he said. “I never reflect,” I replied, “and besides have I not eaten your gratin?” “It will prove expensive,” replied my host with a laugh. While my chauffeur was cranking his machine, I observed on M. Mairieux’s face a pre-occupied, anxious expression as if he had something to say which embarrassed him. He did not make up his mind to put it into words until just as we were leaving. “No doubt,” he stammered timidly, “you will replace the superintendent.” “What superintendent? You? Never in the world. On the contrary, I shall buy the property only on condition that you remain. Your cook will give her recipes to my chef.” The cook, who had come out from the lodge in order to watch me get under way, blushed to the roots of her hair with satisfaction, before hiding behind the Mairieux family which had gathered to say good-bye. We exchanged resounding farewells. The little girl alone did not open her mouth. * * * My fine enthusiasm had no immediate result. I waited two years before I returned to the Sleeping Woods. Without losing a minute, I had signed the deed of transfer in due form, but once I was away other adventures less strange and more absorbing led me elsewhere. I endorsed the accounts without verifying them. How many accounts during my lifetime have I passed without verifying! In this case at least, with my scrupulous superintendent, I could do so without fear. And then one fine day, remembering my property, I took there a company of my acquaintances, with little enough to recommend them.