But for the nervous force in him, the latent vitality which renewed with stubborn persistence the failing forces, he was dead.

The brain kept commanding the body back to life and manhood daily.
"What did Tardif do ?" the Seigneur again questioned, holding out a hand to her.
She did not dare to take his hand lest her feelings should overcome her; so with an assumed gaiety she put in it a rose from her basket and said: "He has been pilfering.

Also he was insolent.

I suppose he could not help remembering that I lived at the smithy once--the dear smithy," she added softly.
"I will go at once and pay the scoundrel his wages," said the Seigneur, rising, and with a nod to the Cure and his wife opened the door.
"Do not see him yourself, Louis," said Madelinette.

"Not I.Havel shall pay him and he shall take himself off to-morrow morning." The door closed, and Madelinette was left alone with the Cure.