THE MESSENGER There was little more talk.

The dignified quiet of the Lannes family remained unchanged, and John imitated it.

If they could be so calm in the face of overwhelming disaster it should be no effort for him to remain unmoved.

Yet he glanced often, though covertly, at Julie Lannes, admiring her lovely color.
When dinner was over they returned to the room in which Madame Lannes had received them.

The dark had come already, and Suzanne had lighted four tall candles.