Arrived at the hut, he entered and shut the door; lighted candles, and spread the embossed parchment out before him upon the table.

As he stood looking at it, he heard the door open behind him.

Tardif stood before him.
The face of Tardif had an evil hunted look.

Before the astonished and suspicious Seigneur had chance to challenge him, he said in a low insolent tone: "Good evening, M'sieu'! Fine doings at the Manor--eh?
"What are you doing at the Manor, and what are you doing here ?" asked the Seigneur, scanning the face of the man closely; for there was a look in it he did not understand.
"I have as much right to be here as you, M'sieu'." "You have no right at all to be here.

You were dismissed your place by the mistress of this Manor." "There is no mistress of this Manor." "Madame Racine dismissed you." "And I dismissed Madame Racine," answered the man with a sneer.
"You are training for the horsewhip.