hand in a strong clasp, with a simplicity of action worthy of the
customs of her native land.

"Ah ca, my dear children," resumed Servin, "you think that all will go
right now, but you are much mistaken."

The lovers looked at him in astonishment.

"Don't be anxious. I'm the only one that your romance will harm. But
the fact is, Madame Servin is a little straitlaced; and I don't really
see how we are to settle it with her."

"Heavens! and I forgot to tell you," exclaimed Ginevra, "that Madame
Roguin and Laure's mother are coming here to-morrow to--"

"I understand," said the painter.

"But you can easily justify yourself," continued the girl, with a
proud movement of her head. "Monsieur Luigi," she added, turning to
him with an arch look, "will no longer object to entering the royal
service. Well, then," after receiving a smile from the young man,
"to-morrow morning I will send a petition to one of the most influential
persons at the ministry of War,--a man who will refuse nothing to the
daughter of the Baron di Piombo. We shall obtain a 'tacit' pardon for
Captain Luigi, for, of course, they will not allow him the rank of
major. And then," she added, addressing Servin, "you can confound the
mothers of my charitable companions by telling them the truth."

"You are an angel!" cried Servin.