He imagined that he was doing his duty by his niece thoroughly, and was rather proud of his own generosity.

In the afternoon Adrian Urmand was taken out for a drive to the ravine by Madame Voss.

They both, no doubt, felt that this was very tedious; but they were by nature patient--quite unlike Michel Voss or Marie--and each of them was aware that there was a duty to be done.

Adrian therefore was satisfied to potter about the ravine, and Madame Voss assured him at least a dozen times that it was the dearest wish of her heart to call him her nephew-in-law.
At last the time for supper came.

Throughout the day Marie had said very little to any one after leaving her uncle.