de Courtornieu had taken good care not to allude to the touching request.

She had read the letter to Martial as a test.

She had not succeeded; so much the worse.

She rose and accepted his arm to return to the house.
She seemed to have forgotten her friend, and she was chatting gayly.
When they approached the chateau, she was interrupted by a sound of voices raised to the highest pitch.
It was the address to the King which was agitating the council convened in M.de Courtornieu's cabinet.
Mlle.

Blanche paused.
"I am trespassing upon your kindness, Monsieur.