its taking off.

"I have brought an agent from D'Aulnay and D'Aulnay's child into our
fortress," said Madame La Tour, speaking toward Marguerite's silent
cover, under which the girl made no sign of being more than a hidden
animal. Her stern face traveled from mother back to tiny body.

There is nothing more touching than the emaciation of a baby. Its sunken
temples and evident cheekbones, the line of its jaw, the piteous parted
lips and thin neck were all reflected in Marie's eyes. Her entire figure
softened, and passionate motherhood filled her. She took the still
pliant shape from Zélie, held it in her hands, and finally pressed it
against her bosom. No sign of mourning came from the woman called its
mother.

"This baby is no enemy of ours," trembled Madame La Tour. "I will not
have it even reproached with being the child of our enemy. It is my
little dead lad come again to my bosom. How soft are his dear limbs! And
this child died for lack of loving while I went with empty arms! Have
you suffered, dear? It is all done now. Mother will give you
kisses,--kisses. Oh, baby,--baby!"

Klussman turned away, and Zélie whimpered. But Le Rossignol thrust her
head around the settle to see what manner of creature it was over which
Madame Marie sobbed aloud.




III.