perfectly understand that one cannot live without love. Yes, but it is very annoying also to have a lot of children tagging at one's heels. Well, they have none now; they have no more. And it is to Mme. Gouin that they owe that. Just a disagreea- ble moment to pass through; after all, it is not like having to swallow the sea. In your place I would not hesitate. A pretty girl like you, so distin- guished, and who must have so good a figure, — a child would be a murder. ' '

"Reassure yourself. I have no desire to have one."

" Yes, I know; nobody has any desire to have one. Only . . . But, tell me, has Monsieur never made advances to you? "

"Why, no."

" That is astonishing, for he has a great reputa- tion for that. Not even that morning in the garden? "

' ' I assure you. ' '

Mam'zelle Rose shakes her head.

" You are unwilling to say anything. You dis- trust me. Well, that is your business. Only, we know what we know. ' '

Peasants pass in the road, and salute Mam'zelle Rose, with respect.

" How do you do, Mam'zelle Rose? And the captain, — is he well? "

"Very well, thank you. He is drawing some wine