Lucille and Alphonse were probably talking together in low voices at the piano while Madame kindly slept.
"Don't scowl at me like that," said John Turner, "but take one of these cigars." We sat down, and smoked for some time in silence.
"It is one thing," said my companion at length, "to give a man a fair chance, and another to throw away your own." "What do you mean ?" "Why marry Mademoiselle to a weak-kneed fellow like Giraud ?" "He is not a weak-kneed fellow," I interrupted, "and can sit a horse as well as any man in the county." "Life does not consist of sitting on horses." "And he has proved himself a brave soldier." "A man may be a brave soldier and make a poor fight of his life," persisted Turner.

"Besides, it is against her will." "Against her will ?" "Yes," said John Turner.

"She wants to marry quite a different man." "That may be," answered I, "but it is none of my business.

I have no influence with Mademoiselle, who is one of my enemies.

I have many." "No--you haven't," said Turner, stoutly.