Both, profiting by the lovely morning, were enjoying the society of their beloved ones.

A quick step on the gravel walk attracted their attention.

In the sunlight a young man, whom neither Jeanne nor Micheline recognized, was advancing.

When about two yards distant from the group he slowly raised his hat.
Seeing the constrained and astonished manner of the young girls, a sad smile played on his lips, then he said, softly: "Am I then so changed that I must tell you my name ?" At these words Micheline jumped up, she became as white as her collar, and trembling, with sobs rising to her lips, stood silent and petrified before Pierre.

She could not speak, but her eyes were eagerly fixed on the young man.