He was a head clerk in the exchequer office.

I have never seen him since I left the capital, and latterly we had ceased writing to each other.

When people are far apart you know----" The lawyer gravely put in: "M.

Marechal is deceased." Both man and wife responded with the little movement of pained surprise, genuine or false, but always ready, with which such news is received.
Maitre Lecanu went on: "My colleague in Paris has just communicated to me the main item of his will, by which he makes your son Jean--Monsieur Jean Roland--his sole legatee." They were all too much amazed to utter a single word.Mme.Roland was the first to control her emotion and stammered out: "Good heavens! Poor Leon--our poor friend! Dear me! Dear me! Dead!" The tears started to her eyes, a woman's silent tears, drops of grief from her very soul, which trickle down her cheeks and seem so very sad, being so clear.

But Roland was thinking less of the loss than of the prospect announced.