Amedee could hear him in the vestibule take down his hat and cane, open and close the door, and go down the stairs with a heavy step.

A quarter of an hour after, as the young man was crossing the Luxembourg to go to the office, he met Louise Gerard with her roll of music in her hand, going to give some lessons in the city.

He walked a few steps beside her, and the worthy girl noticed his red eyes and disturbed countenance.
"What is the matter with you, Amedee ?" she inquired, anxiously.
"Louise," he replied, "do you not think that my father has changed very much in the last few months ?" She stopped and looked at him with eyes shining with compassion.
"Very much changed, my poor Amedee.

You would not believe me if I told you that I had not remarked it.

But whatever may be the cause--how shall I say it ?--that has affected your father's health, you should think of only one thing, my friend; that is, that he has been tender and devoted to you; that he became a widower very young and he did not remarry; that he has endured, in order to devote himself to his only child, long years of solitude and unhappy memories.