And then they finished their cigars in silence.
It was in vain that Adrian Urmand tried that night to obtain audience from Marie.

Marie, as though she well knew what was wanted of her and was determined to thwart her lover, would not allow herself to be found alone for a moment.

When Adrian presented himself at the window of her little bar, he found that Peter was with her, and she managed to keep Peter with her till Adrian was gone.

And again, when he hoped to find her alone for a few moments after the work of the day was over in the small parlour where she was accustomed to sit for some half hour before she would go up to her room, he was again disappointed.

She was already up-stairs with her aunt and the children, and all Michel Voss's good nature in keeping out of the way was of no avail.
But Urmand was determined not to be beaten.