"Temple is at Lamarque's," he answered sullenly.
I glanced questioningly at the Vicomtesse.
"Lamarque is an old pensioner of Monsieur de St. Gre's," said she; "he
has a house and an arpent of land not far below here."
"Exactly," said Auguste, "and if Mr. Ritchie believes that he will save
money by keeping Mr. Temple in Louisiana instead of giving him this
opportunity to escape, it is no concern of mine."
I reflected a moment on this, for it was another sensible remark.
"It is indeed no concern of yours," said Madame la Vicomtesse.
He shrugged his shoulders.
"And now," he said, "I take it that there are no further conscientious
scruples against my receiving this paltry sum."
"I will go with you to your pirogue," I answered, "when you embark you
shall have it."
"I, too, will go," said Madame la Vicomtesse.
"You overwhelm me with civility, Madame," said the Sieur de St. Gre,
bowing low.
"Lead the way, Monsieur," I said.
He took his bundle, and started off down the garden path with a grand
air. I looked at the Vicomtesse inquiringly, and there was laughter in
her eyes.
"I must show you the way to Lamarque's." And then she whispered, "You
have done well, Mr. Ritchie."
I did not return her look, but waited until she took the path ahead of
me. In silence we followed Auguste through the depths of the woods,
turning here and there to avoid a fallen tree or a sink-hole where the
water still remained.
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