Rosemilly begged to take leave.

It was decided that old Roland should accompany her home and set out with her forthwith; while Mme.

Roland, in the maid's absence, should cast a maternal eye over the house and see that her son had all he needed.
"Shall I come back for you ?" asked Roland.
She hesitated a moment and then said: "No, dear old man; go to bed.
Pierre will see me home." As soon as they were gone she blew out the candles, locked up the cakes, the sugar, and liqueurs in a cupboard of which she gave the key to Jean; then she went into the bed-room, turned down the bed, saw that there was fresh water in the water-bottle, and that the window was properly closed.
Pierre and Jean had remained in the little outer drawing-room; the younger still sore under the criticism passed on his taste, and the elder chafing more and more at seeing his brother in this abode.

They both sat smoking without a word.

Pierre suddenly started to his feet.
"Cristi!" he exclaimed.