much for the girl of his own valley. Money and pleasure, and some
little position in the world, would soon wean him from his love; and
then Marie would accept her destiny--as other girls in the same
position had done since the French world began.

And now it was the evening before Adolphe's expected arrival. La
Mere Bauche was discussing the matter with the capitaine over the
usual cup of coffee. Madame Bauche had of late become rather nervous
on the matter, thinking that they had been somewhat rash in acceding
so much to Marie. It seemed to her that it was absolutely now left
to the two young lovers to say whether or no they would have each
other or not. Now nothing on earth could be further from Madame
Bauche's intention than this. Her decree and resolve was to heap
down blessings on all persons concerned--provided always that she
could have her own way; but, provided she did not have her own way,
to heap down,--anything but blessings. She had her code of morality
in this matter. She would do good if possible to everybody around
her. But she would not on any score be induced to consent that
Adolphe should marry Marie Clavert. Should that be in the wind she
would rid the house of Marie, of the capitaine, and even of Adolphe
himself.

She had become therefore somewhat querulous, and self-opinionated in
her discussions with her friend.

"I don't know," she said on the evening in question; "I don't know.
It may be all right; but if Adolphe turns against me, what are we to
do then?"

"Mere Bauche," said the capitaine, sipping his coffee and puffing out