"Are you then mad," cried his companion, "that you think of
letting Madelon go out at this time of night? It is nearly
eleven o'clock, and she can hardly keep her eyes open."

"My eyes are wide, wide open, Uncle Charles," exclaimed
Madelon, indignantly; "I'm not a bit tired, but I don't want
to go out now."

"Monsieur will perhaps join our party," said Monsieur Linders,
very politely. "I should be delighted to try my luck with a
fresh adversary."

"Thank you," said Graham, "but I hardly ever touch cards."
Then turning to Madelon, he added, "I must go away now, since
you will not come for a walk. Won't you wish me good-bye? I
shall not be here to-morrow."

She turned round and put her little hand into his for a
moment; then with a sudden shy caprice snatched it away, and
hid her face on her father's shoulder, just peeping at him
with her bright eyes. But she started up again suddenly as he
was leaving the room, calling out "_Adieu, Monsieur, bon
voyage_," and kissing her hand to him. He smiled and nodded in
return, bowed to M. Linders, and so went away. There was a
moment's silence after he went, and then, "You have made a
fine acquaintance this evening, Madelon," said her uncle.

Madelon made a little _moue_, but did not answer.

"Are you then mad, Adolphe," he said again, "that you permit