d'Escorval was obliged to exert all her authority to make him take some nourishment.

He had quite forgotten that he had passed twenty-four hours without eating.
When eleven o'clock sounded he left the house.
The lands of the Reche are situated on the other side of the Oiselle.
Maurice, to reach his destination, was obliged to cross the river at a ferry only a short distance from his home.

When he reached the river-bank he found six or seven peasants who were waiting to cross.
These people did not observe Maurice.

They were talking earnestly, and he listened.
"It is certainly true," said one of the men.

"I heard it from Chanlouineau himself only last evening.