When she opened her lips it was usually to give advice, to counsel reason, energy and courage.

For some time past she had been growing more taciturn than ever, as if all her attention were claimed by the household matters which were in her sole charge; still, her fine eyes would rest thoughtfully on those about her, on the three young men, and on Guillaume, Marie and Pierre, who all obeyed her as if she were their acknowledged queen.

If she looked at them in that pensive way, was it that she foresaw certain changes, and noticed certain incidents of which the others remained unconscious?
Perhaps so.

At all events she became even graver, and more attentive than in the past.

It was as if she were waiting for some hour to strike when all her wisdom and authority would be required.
"Be careful, Guillaume," she at last remarked, as she once more looked up from her sewing.