Youpish! a hunchback, that all the world laughs at, a worm--" he turned towards the door laughing hideously, his evil face gloating.

"You've not got a stick or stone.
She"-- jerking a finger towards the house--"she earns what you eat, she--" It was the last word he ever spoke, for, with a low terrible cry, the Seigneur snatched up a knife from the table and sprang upon him, catching him by the throat.

Once, twice, thrice, the knife went home, and the ruffian collapsed under it with one loud cry.

Not letting go his grasp of the dying man's collar, the Seigneur dragged him across the floor, and, opening the door of the small inner room, pulled him inside.
For a moment he stood beside the body, panting, then he went to the other room and, bringing a candle, looked at the dead thing in silence.
Presently he stooped, held the candle to the wide-staring eyes, then felt the heart.

"He is gone," he said in an even voice.