They often talked together of their mutual wish to adopt her.

Yet they took no active measures in that way, lest they might have cause to regret it.
One morning, when the husband announced his final decision, his wife suddenly began to weep bitterly.

To adopt a child?
Was not that the same as giving up all hope of having one of their own?
Yet it was useless for them to expect one now, after so many years of waiting, and she gave her consent, in reality delighted that she could call her her daughter.

When Angelique was spoken to on the subject, she threw her arms around their necks, kissed them both, and was almost choked with tears of joy.
So it was agreed upon that she was always to remain with them in this house, which now seemed to be filled with her presence, rejuvenated by her youth, and penetrated by her laughter.

But an unexpected obstacle was met with at the first step.