If I had watched him since, I should
perhaps have thought of the right thing to do. But I did not. I used to
study him while the work was going on, when he first came, but I have
known him some time from a distance. If a man makes himself what he is,
you look at him, of course."
"Truly. His temper--his disposition, what is it?" M. Fille was very much
alive now. He replied briskly. "Like the snap of a whip. He flies into
anger and flies out. He has a laugh that makes men say, 'How he enjoys
himself!' and his mind is very quick and sure."
The Judge nodded with satisfaction. "Well done! Well done! I have got him
in my eye. He will not be so easy to handle; but, if he has brains, he
will see that you have the right end of the stick; and he will kiss and
ride away. It will not be easy, but the game is in your hands, my Fille.
In a quiet room, with the book of the law open, and figures of damages
given by a Catholic court and Judge--I think that will do it; and then
the course of true philosophy will not long be interrupted in the house
of Jean Jacques Barbille."
"Monsieur--monsieur le juge, you mean that I shall do this, shall see
George Masson and warn him--me?"
"Who else? You are a friend of the family. You are a public officer, to
whom the good name of your parish is dear. As all are aware, no doubt,
you are the trusted ancient comrade of the daughter of the woman--I speak
legally--Carmen Barbille nee Dolores, a name of charm to the ear.
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