My sister has chosen; and on the subject of that choice my lips shall be henceforth sealed.

The events of the future are with God; whatever they may be, I hope I am strong enough to bear my part in them with the patience and the courage of a man! I apologize, Monsieur Lomaque, for having thoughtlessly embarrassed you by questions which I had no right to ask.

Let us return to the house--I will show you the way." Lomaque's lips opened, then closed again; he bowed uneasily, and his sallow complexion whitened for a moment.
Trudaine led the way in silence back to the house; the land-steward following slowly at a distance of several paces, and talking in whispers to himself.

"His father was the saving of me," muttered Lomaque; "that is truth, and there is no getting over it; his father was the saving of me; and yet here am I--no! it's too late!--too late to speak--too late to act--too late to do anything!" Close to the house they were met by the old servant.
"My young lady has just sent me to call you in to coffee, monsieur," said Guillaume.

"She has kept a cup hot for you, and another cup for Monsieur Lomaque." The land-steward started--this time with genuine astonishment.