And let me tell you, for you ought to know it, that from Conches to Ville-aux-Fayes there is not a peasant, a petty tradesman, a farmer, a tavern-keeper who isn't laying by his money to buy a bit of the estate.

Fourchon confided to me that Tonsard has already put in his claim.

The idea that you can be forced to sell Les Aigues has gone from end to end of the valley like an infection in the air.

It may be that the steward's present house, with some adjoining land, will be the price paid for Sibilet's spying.

Nothing is ever said among us that is not immediately known at Ville-aux-Fayes.