Athenaise did not return the next day, although her husband sent a message to do so through her brother, Monteclin. On the third day, Cazeau prepared his horse and went himself in search of her. Athenaises parents, the Miches, lived in a large home owned by a trader who lived in town. The house was far too big for their use. Upstairs, the rooms were so large and empty that they were used for parties. Madame Miche was sitting on the porch outside the house. She stood up to greet Cazeau. She was short and fat with a cheery face. But she was clearly tense as Cazeau arrived. Monteclin was there too. But he was not uneasy. He made no effort to hide his dislike of Cazeau. «Dirty pig!» He said under his breath as Cazeau climbed the stairs to the porch. Monteclin disliked Cazeau for refusing to lend him money long ago. Now that this man was his sisters husband, he disliked him even more. Miche and his oldest son were away. They both respected Cazeau and talked highly of him. Cazeau shook hands with Madame Miche who offered him a chair. Athenaise had shut herself in her room. «You know, nothing would do last night,» Madame Miche said. «Athenaise just had to stay for a little dance. The boys would not let their sister leave!» Cazeau shrugged his shoulders to show he knew nothing about last night. «And how about the night before?» asked Cazeau. Madame Miche laughed and told her son to go tell Athenaise her husband had arrived. Monteclin did not move. «Didnt Monteclin tell you we were going to keep Athenaise?» she asked. But Monteclin had told him nothing. «You know as well as I do that it is no use to tell Athenaise anything,» said Monteclin. «You and pa have been talking to her since Monday. When Athenaise said she was not returning to Cazeau she meant it.» Two fiery red spots rose to Cazeaus cheeks. What Monteclin said was true.