I sank down on the straw they had prepared for me, and never was couch of down more grateful to a luxurious man than this poor pallet to me.

La Croissette viewed the whole party with keenness, then, putting his bottle to my lips, said, "Take this; there's a little left." Whatever it was, it revived me; and then he nodded, said "Bon soir," and went away.
I now became anxious for my parents, though Madeleine assured me they knew the way to our retreat.

A long time passed; the children fell asleep; we remained in anxious suspense.

At length we heard footsteps.
Were they of friend or foe?
Madeleine went out to see.

I could not bear her taking on herself every office that ought to devolve upon me, but could not help it.