told them that he would sleep two nights at the Lion d'Or, and then
start early, so as to reach the Colmar inn by mid-day.

'I suppose you find the old lady rather fidgety, George?' said
Michel Voss in high good humour.

George found it easier to talk about Madame Faragon and the hotel at
Colmar than he did of things at Granpere, and therefore became
communicative as to his own affairs. Michel too preferred the
subject of the new doings at the house on the other side of the
Vosges. His wife had given him a slight hint, doing her best, like
a good wife and discreet manager, to prevent ill-humour and hard
words.

'He feels a little sore, you know. I was always sure there was
something. But it was wise of him to come and see her, and it will
go off in this way.'

Michel swore that George had no right to be sore, and that if his
son did not take pride in such a family arrangement as this, he
should no longer be son of his. But he allowed himself to be
counselled by his wife, and soon talked himself into a pleasant
mood, discussing Madame Faragon, and the horses belonging to the
Hotel de la Poste, and Colmar affairs in general. There was a
certain important ground for satisfaction between them. Everybody
agreed that George Voss had shown himself to be a steady man of
business in the affairs of the inn at Colmar.

Marie Bromar in the mean while went on with her usual occupation
round the room, but now and again came and stood at her uncle's