Constantly besieged by Landrillon, Claudie began to get impatient at the delays and procrastination of the Count of Kehlmark. What contributed the more to irritate her was that the rejected suitors round about did not scruple to laugh at her, and even caricature her in tavern songs. Landrillon made her believe that Blandine still retained her hold on the Dykgrave. Consequently, the gawky booby still more detested the housekeeper, the affected minx! Equally reserved with her as with Bomberg, Landrillon took care not to set the hot-blooded peasant girl yet upon the right track. "Ah, we shall see some rare fun the day that Claudie gets to know the truth. There'll be some fine milk spilt," mused the crafty sneak, rubbing his hand and laughing to himself!
He rejoiced in advance, tasted and gloated over his vengeance, took voluptuous pleasure in sharpening the decisive weapon, unwilling to strike except with sure blow, and in perfect safety for himself.
Claudie for her part, however, did not abandon her great project. She would win Kehlmark from her white-faced rival.
Seeing her still so smitten with the Dykgrave, Landrillon, whose watchful hate serv-
