The old marquis, who was anxious that his name should not die out, requested that what was happening might be concealed from his sons, even in the event of dire disaster.

Laurence, the only daughter of the Comtesse de Cinq-Cygne, was then twelve years of age; her cousins both loved her and she loved them equally.

Like other twins the Simeuse brothers were so alike that for a long while their mother dressed them in different colors to know them apart.

The first comer, the eldest, was named Paul-Marie, the other Marie-Paul.

Laurence de Cinq-Cygne, to whom their danger was revealed, played her woman's part well though still a mere child.