The Chapdelaines, left to themselves, were long without speech.

At last the father said in a halting voice:--"Francois Paradis was almost alone in the world; now, as we all had an affection for him, we perhaps might have a mass or two said.

What do you think, Laura ?" "Yes indeed.

Three high masses with music, and when the boys return from the woods--in health, if such be the will of the good God-three more for the repose of his soul, poor lad! And every Sunday we shall, say I a prayer for him." "He was like the rest of us," Chapdelaine continued, "not without fault, of course, but kindly and well-living.

God and the Holy Virgin will have pity on him." Again silence.