This young fellow, who was leaving his country on her account, was the companion of her infancy, more than that, her nearest relative.

Her throat swelled, her eyes filled with tears.

She turned away her head, that he might not perceive her emotion, and opened the kitchen-door.
"Come in, Claudet," said she, "we shall be more comfortable in the dining-room.

We can talk there, and you will have some refreshment before you go, will you not ?" He obeyed, and followed her into the house.

She went herself into the cellar, to seek a bottle of old wine, brought two glasses, and filled them with a trembling hand.
"Shall you remain long in the service ?" asked she.
"I shall engage for seven years." "It is a hard life that you are choosing." "What am I to do ?" replied he, "I could not stay here doing nothing." Reine went in and out of the room in a bewildered fashion.