George told the man that he would go up to the wood-cutting after
his father; but before he was out of the court he changed his mind
and slowly entered the house. Why should he go to his father? What
had he to say to his father about the marriage that could not be
better said down at the house? After all, he had but little ground
of complaint against his father. It was Marie who had been untrue
to him, and it was on Marie's head that his wrath must fall. No
doubt his father would be angry with him when he should have thrown
his thunderbolt. It could not, as he thought, be hurled effectually
without his father's knowledge; but he need not tell his father the
errand on which he had come. So he changed his mind, and went into
the inn.

He entered the house almost dreading to see her whom he was seeking.
In what way should he first express his wrath? How should he show
her the wreck which by her inconstancy she had made of his
happiness? His first words must, if possible, be spoken to her
alone; and yet alone he could hardly hope to find her. And he
feared her. Though he was so resolved to speak his mind, yet he
feared her. Though he intended to fill her with remorse, yet he
dreaded the effect of her words upon himself. He knew how strong
she could be, and how steadfast. Though his passion told him every
hour, was telling him all day long, that she was as false as hell,
yet there was something in him of judgment, something rather of
instinct, which told him also that she was not bad, that she was a
firm-hearted, high-spirited, great-minded girl, who would have
reasons to give for the thing that she was doing.

He went through into the kitchen before he met any one, and there he
found Madame Voss with the cook and Peter. Immediate explanations