Haines himself did not know.

If manumission papers had ever been executed it was done early, before he took charge of Beaucaire's legal affairs.

The matter never came to his attention." "But surely he must at some time have discussed this with the Judge ?" "No; at least not directly.

Beaucaire is not a man to approach easily.
He is excessively proud, and possesses a fiery temper.

Once, Haines told me, he ventured a hint, but was rebuffed so fiercely as never to make a second attempt.