'I do not refer to that,' she answered coldly. 'You know, or
should know, that we are in disgrace here; that the Government
regards us already with an evil eye, and that a very small thing
would lead them to garrison the village, and perhaps oust us from
the little the wars have left us. You should have known this,
and considered it,' she continued. 'Whereas--I do not say that
you are a braggart, M. de Barthe. But on this one occasion you
seem to have played the part of one.'

'Madame, I did not think,' I stammered.

'Want of thought causes much evil,' she answered, smiling.
'However, I have spoken, and we trust that while you stay with us
you will be more careful. For the rest, Monsieur,' she continued
graciously, raising her hand to prevent me speaking, 'we do not
know why you are here, or what plans you are pursuing. And we do
not wish to know. It is enough that you are of our side. This
house is at your service as long as you please to use it. And if
we can aid you in any other way we will do so.'

'Madame!' I exclaimed; and there I stopped. I could say no
more. The rose garden, with its air of neglect, the shadow of the
quiet house that fell across it, the great yew hedge which backed
it, and was the pattern of one under which I had played in
childhood--all had points that pricked me. But the women's
kindness, their unquestioning confidence, the noble air of
hospitality which moved them! Against these and their placid
beauty in its peaceful frame I had no shield, no defence. I
turned away, and feigned to be overcome by gratitude.