‘In what way, uncle?’ she asked, merely wanting to gain a moment for thought.

’In any way.  In no way.  Just say that there is nothing wrong, and that will be sufficient.’  She stood silent, not having a word to say to him.  ’You know what I mean, Marie.  You intend to marry Adrian Urmand?’

‘I suppose so,’ said Marie in a low whisper.

’Look here, Marie,—­if there be any doubt about it, we will part,—­ and for ever.  You shall never look upon my face again.  My honour is pledged,—­and yours.’  Then he hurried out of the room, down into the kitchen, and without staying there a moment went out into the yard, and walked through to the stables.  His passion had been so strong and uncontrollable, that he had been unable to remain with his niece and exact a promise from her.

George, when he saw his father go through to the stables, entered the house.  He had already made up his mind that he would return at once to Colmar, without waiting to have more angry words.  Such words would serve him not at all.  But he must if possible see Marie, and he must also tell his stepmother that he was about to depart.  He found them both together, and at once, very abruptly, declared that he was to start immediately.

‘You have quarrelled with your father, George,’ said Madame Voss.

’I hope not.  I hope that he has not quarrelled with me.  But it is better that I should go.’

‘What is it, George?  I hope it is nothing serious.’  Madame Voss as she said this looked at Marie, but Marie had turned her face away.  George also looked at her, but could not see her countenance.  He did not dare to ask her to give him an interview alone; nor had he quite determined what he would say to her if they were together.  ‘Marie,’ said Madame Voss, ‘do you know what this is about?’

‘I wish I had died,’ said Marie, ’before I had come into this house.  I have made hatred and bitterness between those who should love each other better than all the world!’ Then Madame Voss was able to guess what had been the cause of the quarrel.

‘Marie,’ said George very slowly, ’if you will only ask your own heart what you ought to do, and be true to what it tells you, there is no reason even yet that you should be sorry that you came to Granpere.  But if you marry a man whom you do not love, you will sin against him, and against me, and against yourself, and against God!’ Then he took up his hat and went out.

In the courtyard he met his father.

‘Where are you going now, George?’ said his father.

’To Colmar.  It is better that I should go at once.  Good-bye, father;’ and he offered his hand to his parent.

‘Have you spoken to Marie?’

’My mother will tell you what I have said.  I have spoken nothing in private.’

‘Have you said anything about her marriage?’

’Yes.  I have told her that she could not honestly marry the man she did not love.’