Formerly, Camors, in his pensive mood, had taken an aversion to these little examples of modern feminine frivolity.

Since he had changed his views of life he did them more justice.

He said, calmly: "They are pretty little animals that follow their instincts." Mesdames Bacquiere and Van-Cuyp, instigated by their mother, applied themselves assiduously to making the General feel all the sacred joys that cluster round the domestic hearth.

They enlivened his household, exercised his horses, killed his game, and tortured his piano.

They seemed to think that the General, once accustomed to their sweetness and animation, could not do without it, and that their society would become indispensable to him.