She began dressing to go out, and he watched her with his great, sad eyes.

Doubtless he was very glad that matters had got settled, for he would have preferred death to a rupture of their connection, but deep down in his heart there was a silent anguish, a profound sense of pain, which he had no experience of and dared not talk about.

How Philippe quieted their mother's fears he never knew, but three days later she returned to Les Fondettes, apparently satisfied.

On the evening of her return, at Nana's house, he trembled when Francois announced the lieutenant, but the latter jested gaily and treated him like a young rascal, whose escapade he had favored as something not likely to have any consequences.

The lad's heart was sore within him; he scarcely dared move and blushed girlishly at the least word that was spoken to him.