The graceful pose of her child lying on her knees made her smile sadly.

She looked at him long, tasting one of those pleasures which are a secret between mothers and God.

Etienne's weakness was so great that until he was a year and a half old she had never dared to take him out of doors; but now the faint color which tinted the whiteness of his skin like the petals of a wild rose, showed that life and health were already there.
One morning the countess, giving herself up to the glad joy of all mothers when their first child walks for the first time, was playing with Etienne on the floor when suddenly she heard the heavy step of a man upon the boards.

Hardly had she risen with a movement of involuntary surprise, when the count stood before her.

She gave a cry, but endeavored instantly to undo that involuntary wrong by going up to him and offering her forehead for a kiss.
"Why not have sent me notice of your return ?" she said.
"My reception would have been more cordial, but less frank," he answered bitterly.
Suddenly he saw the child.