I grieve that I interfere with your plans; but I will live with you, and be your old maid sister, and nurse and love your children, and they shall love their old maid aunt." "There are other men, Agatha, besides Adolphe.

Perhaps your next request will be a very different one; perhaps, then, you will be singing the praises of some admirer, and asking me to give him a brother's place in my heart." "And when I ask it, you will do so; but Henri," and she put her hands upon his shoulder, as she stood close to his chair, "don't let Adolphe come here immediately." "He must do so, dearest, now I think of it: we have other things to think of besides ladies' hearts, and other matters to plan besides wedding favours; the troops will be in Clisson on Monday next, to collect the conscripts.

I have promised to be with de Lescure, and Adolphe is to meet me there; they are both then to come here.

Not a man shall be taken who does not choose to go; and there are not many who wish to go from choice.

There will be warm work in Poitou next week, Agatha; few of us then can think of love or marriage.