la Boulaye and I--Charlot," Duhamel had said, as the sturdy bridegroom was departing.

"We shall be there to shake Madame by the hand and wish her joy of you." When at last they were alone in the schoolmaster's room, the old man turned to La Boulaye, the very embodiment of a note of interrogation.
The secretary told him all that had passed.

He reddened slightly when it came to speaking of his love for Mlle.

de Bellecour, but he realised that if he would have guidance he must withhold nothing from his friend.
Duhamel's face grew dark as the young man spoke, and his eyes became sad and very thoughtful.
"Alas!" he sighed, when La Boulaye had ended.

"What shall I say to you, my friend?
The time is not yet for such as we--you and I--to speak of love for a daughter of the Seigneurie.