She loves and obeys us, and fears God; she is as clean as a new pin, and has but one fault." "What is that ?" "She is too young." "That is a charming fault which time will mend." I was not long in ascertaining that they were living specimens of honesty, of truth, of homely virtues, and of real happiness.

I was delighted at this discovery, when Lucie returned as gay as a lark, prettily dressed, her hair done in a peculiar way of her own, and with well-fitting shoes.

She dropped a simple courtesy before me, gave a couple of hearty kisses to both her parents, and jumped on her father knees.

I asked her to come and sit on my bed, but she answered that she could not take such a liberty now that she was dressed, The simplicity, artlessness, and innocence of the answer seemed to me very enchanting, and brought a smile on my lips.

I examined her to see whether she was prettier in her new dress or in the morning's negligee, and I decided in favour of the latter.