For once the inclination of the young people agreed with the wishes of the elders, and they were warmly attached to each other.

No formal betrothal, however, had as yet taken place, the troubles of the times having caused its postponement, although formerly it had been understood that in the present autumn the marriage should be celebrated.
The young count had at the assembly of the States General been a prominent liberal, and had been one of those who had taken his seat with the third estate and had voted for the abolition of the special privileges of the nobility, but the violence of the Assembly had alarmed and disgusted him, and in the winter he had left Paris and returned to his father's estates.
Ernest and Harry studied with the abbe, and fenced and rode as usual with M.du Tillet after his return from Holland.

The ever-darkening cloud weighed upon their spirits, and yet life at the chateau was pleasant.

The absence of their parents and the general feeling of anxiety knit the rest of the family closer together.

Much of the ceremonial observance which had, on his first arrival, surprised and amused Harry was now laid aside.