Would you prefer his wife to me? It must be either the one or the
other."

The woman started towards the door in a rage. He stepped between. "You
cannot see the Notary."

"I'll see his wife, then--"

"That would only put the fat in the fire. His wife would not listen to
you. She is quick-tempered, and she fancies she has reasons for not
liking you."

"She's a fool. I haven't been always particular, but as for Narcisse
Dauphin--"

"He has been a good friend to you at some expense, the world says."

The woman struggled with herself. "The world lies!" she said at last.

"But he doesn't. The village was against you once. That was when the
Notary, with the Seigneur, was for you--it has cost him something ever
since, I'm told. You've never thanked him."

"He has tortured me for years, the oily, smirking, lying--"

"He has been your best friend," he interrupted. "Please sit down, and
listen to me for a moment."

She hesitated, then did as he asked.