As they passed along, returning the salutations of all the guests who were so eager to smile upon them, Sidonie had a momentary thrill of pride, of satisfied vanity.

Unhappily it did not last.

In a corner of the room sat a young and attractive woman whom nobody invited to dance, but who looked on at the dances with a placid eye, illumined by all the joy of a first maternity.

As soon as he saw her, Risler walked straight to the corner where she sat and compelled Sidonie to sit beside her.

Needless to say that it was Madame "Chorche." To whom else would he have spoken with such affectionate respect?
In what other hand than hers could he have placed his little Sidonie's, saying: "You will love her dearly, won't you?
You are so good.