I always spoke well of her.
She is my daughter--my second child.

Sigismund, embrace your sister! You permit it, General?
Ah, we never know how much we love these children until we lose them! I always spoke well of her; did I not--Ge--General ?" And here Madame de la Roche-Jugan burst into tears.
The General, who began to entertain a high opinion of the Countess's heart, declared that Mademoiselle d'Estrelles would find in him a friend and father.

After which flattering assurance, Madame de la Roche-Jugan seated herself in a solitary corner, behind a curtain, whence they heard sobs and moans issue for a whole hour.

She could not even breakfast; happiness had taken away her appetite.
The ice once broken, all tried to make themselves agreeable.

The Tonneliers did not behave, however, with the same warmth as the tender Countess, and it was easy to see that Mesdames Bacquiere and Van Cuyp could not picture to themselves, without envy, the shower of gold and diamonds about to fall into the lap of their cousin.Messrs.