The Frontier by Maurice LeBlanc

The road which Morestal and his friend followed first makes a bend and climbs the wooded side of a ravine. It was formerly used for foresting purposes and is still paved with large stones which are covered with mud after a rainy day and make the ascent slippery and difficult.

Morestal was panting for breath when he reached the top:

"We ought. " he said, "to see. Philippe from here."

Faint clouds dimmed the light of the moon, but still, at certain places denuded of trees, they were able to distinguish the other side of the ravine.

He called out:

"Hullo! . Philippe!"

"I tell you what," said Jorance. "I expect Philippe did not like to let Suzanne go home alone and he is taking her back, at any rate as far as the houses."

"I dare say," said Morestal. "Poor Suzanne, she doesn't look very bright. So you've made up your mind to get her married?"

"Yes. I'm getting her married. it's all settled."

They started walking again, and, by an imperceptible slope, came to two large trees, after which the road turned to the right. From that point onwards, running through pine-woods along the line of the ridges, it marked the frontier as far as the Col du Diable.

On their left was the German slope, which was steeper.

"Yes," repeated Jorance, "it's all settled. Of course, Suzanne might have met a younger man. a better-looking man. but no one more respectable or more serious. To say nothing of his having a very firm character; and, with Suzanne, a certain amount of firmness is necessary. Besides."

"Yes? " said Morestal, perceiving his hesitation.

"Well, you see, Morestal, Suzanne has got to be married. She inherits from me an upright nature and strict principles. but she is not only my daughter. and sometimes I am afraid of finding. bad instincts in her."

"Have you discovered anything?"

"Oh, no! And I am sure that there is nothing to discover. But it's the future I'm afraid of. One day or another, she may know temptation. some one may make love to her. turn her head with fair words. When that time comes, will she know how to resist? Oh, Morestal, the thought of it drives me mad! I couldn't bear it. Just think, the daughter, following after the mother. Oh, I believe. I believe I should kill her! ."

Morestal jested:

"What a fuss about nothing! A good little girl like Suzanne! ."

"Yes, you are right, it's absurd. But I can't help it, I can't forget. And I don't want to, either. My duty is to think of everything and to give her a guide, a master who will advise her. I know Suzanne: she will make a perfect wife."

"And she will have lots of children; and they will be very happy," Morestal wound up. "Come, you're boring me and boring yourself with your fancies. Let's talk of something else. By the way."