And from day to day, in proportion as the domain of Sairmeuse became more beautiful and extensive beneath my care, I felt myself more and more its rightful owner." But this despairing pleading in behalf of a bad cause produced no impression upon Marie-Anne's loyal heart.
"Restitution must be made," she repeated.

M.Lacheneur wrung his hands.
"Implacable!" he exclaimed; "she is implacable.

Unfortunate girl! does she not understand that it is for her sake I wish to remain where I am?
I am old, and I am familiar with toil and poverty; idleness has not removed the callosities from my hands.

What do I require to keep me alive until the day comes for me to take my place in the graveyard?
A crust of bread and an onion in the morning, a porringer of soup in the evening, and for the night a bundle of straw.

I could easily earn that.
But you, unhappy child! and your brother, what will become of you ?" "We must not discuss nor haggle with duty, my father.