Seized of that wilful, daring spirit called Love, her sight was bounded by the little field where she strayed.
Elise's arm paused upon the lever of the bellows, when she saw Valmond watching them from the door.

He took off his hat to them, as Madelinette turned towards him, the hammer pausing in the stroke.
"Ah, monseigneur!" she said impulsively, and then paused, confused.
Elise did not move, but stood looking at him, her eyes all flame, her cheeks going a little pale, and flushing again.

With a quick motion she pushed her hair back, and as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him, she blew the bellows, as if to give a brighter light to the place.

The fire flared up, but there were corners in deep shadow.
Valmond doffed his hat again and said ceremoniously: "Mademoiselle Madelinette, Mademoiselle Elise, pray do not stop your work.

Let me sit here and watch you." Taking from his pocket a cigarette, he came over to the forge and was about to light it with the red steel from the fire, when Elise, snatching up a tiny piece of wood, thrust it in the coals, and, drawing it out, held it towards the cigarette, saying: "Ah, no, your Excellency--this!" As Valmond reached to take it from her, he heard a sound, as of a hoarse breathing, and turned quickly; but his outstretched hand touched Elise's fingers, and it involuntarily closed on them, all her impulsive temperament and warm life thrilling through him.