curé's pupils should have succeeded so well in life, and all so far from
their own land."

"It is indeed strange. That thought has often occurred to me, too," said
Marie, musingly.

"But," went on Lacroix, "though, of course, I like London and Paris and
all this excitement for a time, I often pine for our fresh Canadian
breezes, for the dash of the Gulf against the rocks at Father Point! City
life is so trammelled, and I long for the unconventional home life from
which I have been removed so long."

"Ah! I see you have _mal de pays_; you see I know the symptoms," said
Marie, smiling.

"Yes, I suppose it must be that."

"But how delighted you must be at the success of your picture. I saw by
this morning's paper that it was bought by the prince."

"Of course, I am glad of my success. True, it has come late in life; but
still it _has_ come. But I shall miss my picture very much."

"Naturally."

"However, I shall soon see the reality again. I am going home for a
holiday next month."

"Indeed? How I envy you."