He could see that the girl was suffering, and, after all, what was it that he wanted?
Only that she should be prosperous and happy.

His heart almost relented; and at one moment, had Marie come across him, he would have released her.

'Let it go on,' he said to himself, as he took up his cap and stick, and went off to the woods.

'Let it go on.

If she finds to-day that she can't take him, I'll never say another word to press her.' He went up to the woods after breakfast, and did not come back till the evening.
During breakfast Marie did not show herself at all, but remained with the children.