Complete Maupassant Original Short Stories, page 369 by Guy de Maupassant
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ted at seeing me again, and each time, as I left, she would say:
"'This may be the last time, master.'
"The sad, timid farewell of this old servant, this hopeless resignation to the inevitable fate which was not far off for her, moved me strangely each year.
"I dismounted, and while Cavalier, whom I had greeted, was leading my horse to the little shed which served as a stable, I entered the kitchen, which also served as dining-room, followed by Celeste.
"Here the gamekeeper joined us. I saw at first glance that something was the matter. He seemed preoccupied, ill at ease, worried.
"I said to him:
"'Well, Cavalier, is everything all right?'
"He muttered:
"'Yes and no. There are things I don't like.'
"I asked:
"'What? Tell me about it.'
"But he shook his head.
"'No, not yet, monsieur. I do not wish to bother you with my little troubles so soon after your arrival.'
"I insisted, but he absolutely refused to give me any information before dinner. From his expression, I could tell that it was something very serious.
"Not knowing what to say to him, I asked:
"'How about game? Much of it this year?'
"'Oh, yes! You'll find all you want. Thank heaven, I looked out for that.'
"He said this with so much seriousness, with such sad solemnity, that it was really almost funny. His big gray mustache seemed almost ready to drop from his lips.
"Suddenly I remembered that I had not yet seen his nephew.
"'Where is Marius? Why does he not show himself?'
"The "The gamekeeper started, looking me suddenly in the face:
" Well, monsieur, I had rather tell you the whole business right away; it's on account of him that I am worrying.'
"'Ah! Well, where is he?'
"'Over in the stable, monsieur. I was waiting for the right time to bring him out.'
"'What has he done?'
"'Well, monsieur----'
"The gamekeeper, however, hesitated, his voice altered and shaky, his face sudd