Pray come in, Monsieur Frantz.

We're waiting for father, as you see.

These brigands of artists always stay out so late! Take a seat--you shall have supper with him." "Oh! no, thank you," replied Frantz, whose lips were still pale from the emotion he had undergone, "I can't stop.

I saw a light and I just stepped in to tell you--to tell you some great news that will make you very happy, because I know that you love me--" "Great heavens, what is it ?" "Monsieur Frantz Risler and Mademoiselle Sidonie are engaged to be married." "There! didn't I say that all he needed was a good little wife," exclaimed Mamma Delobelle, rising and throwing her arms about his neck.
Desiree had not the strength to utter a word.

She bent still lower over her work, and as Frantz's eyes were fixed exclusively upon his happiness, as Mamma Delobelle did nothing but look at the clock to see whether her great man would return soon, no one noticed the lame girl's emotion, nor her pallor, nor the convulsive trembling of the little bird that lay in her hands with its head thrown back, like a bird with its death-wound..