What shall you tell them about us when you get back from Nassau ?" "I don't intend to tell them much of anything," replied Madame.

"I may, perhaps, give them a hint that one of your father's old friends invited you to come to the North, and that I did not consider it my business to hinder you." "O fie, Madame!" said Floracita; "what a talent you have for arranging the truth with variations!" Madame tried to return a small volley of French pleasantry; but the effort was obviously a forced one.

The pulses of her heart were throbbing with anxiety and fear; and they all began to feel suspense increasing to agony, when at last the whistled tones of _Ca ira_ were heard.
"Now don't act as if you were afraid," whispered Madame, as she put her hand on the latch of the door.

"Go out naturally.

Remember I am my cousin, and you are the boys." They passed through the garden into the street, feeling as if some rough hand might at any instant seize them.