wished her joy, and the servants of the house began to perceive that
she was a person entitled to respect. How different was all this
from that harsh attack that was made on her the preceding evening!
Only Adolphe,--he alone kept aloof. Though he was present there he
said nothing. He, and he only, offered no congratulations.

In the midst of all these gala doings Marie herself said little or
nothing. La Mere Bauche perceived this, but she forgave it. Angrily
as she had expressed herself at the idea of Marie's daring to love
her son, she had still acknowledged within her own heart that such
love had been natural. She could feel no pity for Marie as long as
Adolphe was in danger; but now she knew how to pity her. So Marie
was still petted and still encouraged, though she went through the
day's work sullenly and in silence.

As to the capitaine it was all one to him. He was a man of the
world. He did not expect that he should really be preferred, con
amore, to a young fellow like Adolphe. But he did expect that Marie,
like other girls, would do as she was bid; and that in a few days she
would regain her temper and be reconciled to her life.

And then the marriage was fixed for a very early day; for as La Mere
said, "What was the use of waiting? All their minds were made up
now, and therefore the sooner the two were married the better. Did
not the capitaine think so?"

The capitaine said that he did think so.

And then Marie was asked. It was all one to her, she said. Whatever
Maman Bauche liked, that she would do; only she would not name a day