But the next day he returned to the charge with another proposal: and
the nature of this second proposal we shall learn from events.

The day Edouard was expected opened deliciously. It was a balmy morning,
and tempted the sisters out before breakfast. They strolled on the
south terrace with their arms round each other's waists, talking about
Edouard, and wondering whether they should really see him before night.
Rose owned she had missed him, and confessed for the first time she was
a proud and happy girl.

"May I tell him so?" asked Josephine.

"Not for all the world. Would you dare?"

Further discussion of that nice point was stopped by the baroness coming
out, leaning on Dr. Aubertin.

Then--how we young people of an unceremonious age should have
stared--the demoiselles de Beaurepaire, inasmuch as this was their
mother's first appearance, lowered their fair heads at the same time
like young poplars bowing to the wind, and so waited reverently till she
had slightly lifted her hands, and said, "God bless you, my children!"

It was done in a moment on both sides, but full of grace and piety, and
the charm of ancient manners.

"How did our dear mother sleep?" inquired Josephine. Aubertin interposed
with a theory that she slept very well indeed if she took what he gave
her.