th was charming,
but the vermilion of the lips was of the red-lead tint which indicates
repressed ferocity, and, in many human beings, a free abandonment to
pleasure. His demeanor showed none of the low habits of a workman. In
the eyes of the women who were present at the trial it seemed evident
that one of their sex had softened those muscles used to toil, had
ennobled the countenance of the rustic, and given grace to his person.
Women can always detect the traces of love in a man, just as men can see
in a woman whether, as the saying is, love has passed that way.

Toward evening of the day we are now relating Jean-Francois heard the
sliding of bolts and the noise of the key in the lock. He turned his
head violently and gave vent to the horrible growl with which his
frenzies began; but he trembled all over when the beloved heads of his
sister and his mother stood out against the fading light, and behind
them the face of the rector of Montegnac.

"The wretches! is this why they keep me alive?" he said, closing his
eyes.

Denise, who had lately been confined in a prison, was distrustful of
everything; the spy had no doubt hidden himself merely to return in a
few moments. The girl flung herself on her brother, bent her tearful
face to his and whispered:--

"They may be listening to us."

"Otherwise they would not have let you come here," he replied in a loud
voice. "I have long asked the favor that none of my family should be
admitted here."

"Oh! how they have bound him!" cried the mother. "My poor child! my poor
boy!" and she fell on her knees beside the pallet, hiding her head in
the cassock of the priest, who was standing by her.

"If Jean will promise me to be quiet," said the rector, "and not attempt
to injure himself, and to behave properly while we are with him, I will
ask to have him unbound; but the least violation of his promise will
reflect on me."

"I do so want to move as I please, dear Monsieur Bonnet," said the
criminal, his eyes moistening with tears, "that I give you my word to do
as you wish."

The rector went out, and returned with the jailer, and the jacket was
taken off.

"You won't kill me to-night, will you?" said the turnkey.

Jean made no answer.

"Poor brother!" said Denise, opening a basket which had just passed
through a rigorous examination. "Here are some of the things you like; I
dare say they don't feed you for the love of God."

She showed him some fruit, gathered as soo