An old worm-eaten bench still stood there against the lilac-bushes.

And in front of them Paris spread out its sea of roofs, looking light and fresh in the morning sunlight.
They both sat down.

But at the moment of speaking and questioning Marie, Guillaume experienced sudden embarrassment, while his heart beat violently at seeing her beside him, so young and adorable with her bare arms.
"Our wedding-day is drawing near," he ended by saying.

And then as she turned somewhat pale, perhaps unconsciously, he himself suddenly felt cold.

Had not her lips twitched as if with pain?
Had not a shadow passed over her fresh, clear eyes?
"Oh! we still have some time before us," she replied.
Then, slowly and very affectionately, he resumed: "No doubt; still it is necessary to attend to the formalities.