Marie was a better hypocrite, and, though she said little, was able to look as though she could sympathise with her uncle's pleasant mirth.

The two men had soon eaten their breakfast and were gone, and then Marie was left alone with her thoughts.

Would George say anything to his father of what had passed up-stairs on the previous evening?
The two men started, and when they were alone together, and as long as Michel abstained from talking about Marie and her prospects, George was able to converse freely with his father.

When they left the house the morning was just dawning, and the air was fresh and sharp.

'We shall soon have the frost here now,' said Michel, 'and then there will be no more grass for the cattle.' 'I suppose they can have them out on the low lands till the end of November.