Do not let us cast a gloom over their happiness, old master.

And now to embrace this good Charlot." Though inwardly burning with curiosity and boiling with indignation, Duhamel permitted himself to be guided by La Boulaye, and for the moment allowed the matter to rest.

La Boulaye himself laughingly set aside the many questions with which they pressed him.

He drank the health of the bride-elect--who was not yet of the party--and he pledged the happiness of the pair.

He embraced Charlot, and even went so far as to urge upon him, out of his own scanty store, a louis d'or with which to buy Marie a trinket in memory of him.
Then presently came one with the announcement that M.le Cure was waiting, and in answer to that reminder that there was a ceremony to be gone through, Charlot and his friends flung out of the house in joyous confusion, and went their way with laughter and jest to the little church of St.Ildefonse.
"We will follow presently--M.