without remonstrance.

"All right, I can give you a lift," said he, and the Counsellor
clambered into the cart.

All the time that he was showering thanks upon Norbert for his courtesy
he was watching the young man's face carefully.

"Evidently," thought the Counsellor to himself, "something unusual has
taken place at the Chateau de Champdoce. Was not the opportunity for
revenge here?"

Long since he had decided that through the son he could strike the
father. But he must be cautious.

"You must have been up very early, Marquis," said he.

The young man made no reply.

"The Duke," resumed Daumon, "is most fortunate in having such a son as
you. I know more than one father who says to his children, 'See what an
excellent example the young Marquis de Champdoce sets to you all. He
is not afraid of hard work, though he is noble by birth, and should not
soil his hands by labor.'"

A sudden lurch brought the Counsellor's eloquence to a sudden close, but
he speedily resumed again.

"I was watching you as you hefted the sacks. Heavens! what muscles! what
a pair of shoulders!"