Farcinelle was stipulating for five acres of river-land as another item in Sophie's dot.
The corners tightened around Madame's mouth.

Lavilette scratched his head, so that the hair stood up like flying tassels of corn.

The land in question lay next a portion of Farcinelle's own farm, with a river frontage.

On it was a little house and shed, and no better garden-stuff grew in the parish than on this same five acres.
"But I do not own the land," said Lavilette.

"You've got a mortgage on it," answered Farcinelle.