As to where the men had come from who had played their part, as to where the boy had gone to, or whether the boy and the lady were one--on these heads he got no light.
The farmer affected stupidity--affected not to understand his questions, or answered them with such whimsical information on the wrong point that little was revealed.

Yet Caius did not quarrel with O'Shea.

Was it not possible that he, rude, whimsical man that he was, might have influence with the sea-maid of the laughing face?
Next morning Caius received a formal message--the compliments of Madame Le Maitre, and she would be glad if he would call upon her before he went elsewhere.

He passed again between the growling mastiffs, and found the lady with her maidens engaged in the simple household tasks that were necessary before they went to their work of mercy.

Madame Le Maitre stood as she spoke to him: "When I wrote to you I said that if you came to us you would have no chance of returning until the spring.