However, it all irritated him beyond endurance; and he therefore again pretended that he had a number of things to see to in Paris.

He shook hands in turn with the young men, Mere-Grand and Marie; both of the women evincing great friendliness but also some surprise at his haste to leave the house.

Guillaume, who seemed saddened and anxious, sought to detain him, and failing in this endeavour followed him into the little garden, where he stopped him in order to have an explanation.
"Come," said he, "what is the matter with you, Pierre?
Why are you running off like this ?" "Oh! there's nothing the matter I assure you; but I have to attend to a few urgent affairs." "Oh, Pierre, pray put all pretence aside.

Nobody here has displeased you or hurt your feelings, I hope.

They also will soon love you as I do." "I have no doubt of it, and I complain of nobody excepting perhaps myself." Guillaume's sorrow was increasing.