It was plain to my mind the reflections of Madame were altogether with her father--lying dead before this hour--and this sad memory darkened even the delight of her husband's safety.

His affected gayety of manner, and reckless speech, jarred more harshly upon her in this hour than perhaps ever before in her life.

Yet she made a pathetically brave effort to appear of good cheer, managing to eat with us, although it was easy to perceive the food choked her, while her eyes were blurred with tears resolutely held in restraint.

It was plain, I say, yet this is but my thought, for I question whether De Noyan, in his careless mood, observed her depression.

He was of a nature reflecting slightly on any save himself; past sorrow being quickly forgotten in any present gleam of sun.