They had now reached Forte Neuve, by which they entered the town, with many others who were returning from the Plain-parlays. As they walked along the Corratorie they met Berthelier and Gabreielle, taking the air, as the afternoon was very fine for the season of the year. Both lads saluted; De Marsac with a flush and a beaming smile.
"I did not know you knew them," said Norbert.
"Oh yes; did I not tell you I was going to see them? Master Berthelier's sister, Demoiselle Claudine, and I are fast friends. Some years ago when I came here first, a mere child, I was one day in the market, looking about me and buying cherries or the like, when I saw this poor demoiselle being frightened half out of her senses by a group of angry, scolding fish-women. That was before such good order was put in the market, and in all the town, thanks to Master Calvin. She had told them, quite truly, that they were trying to cheat her. I fought her battle with all my might, which in truth was not great, and at last brought her home in triumph. She was much more grateful than the occasion required, and has been my very good friend ever since. I - they - they are all good to me, though lately, being much occupied with my studies, I have seen them but seldom."
"Do you not think the young demoiselle very pretty?" asked Norbert. "I do."
"She is beautiful," Louis answered quietly; and the subject dropped. . .
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