speechless.

But the words had not been a minute spoken when Lilian and Mimmy ran
up to their mother. "Oh, mamma," said Lilian, "we thought you were
lost; we have searched for you all over the chateau."

"We have been sitting very quietly here, my dear, looking at the
view," said Mrs. Thompson.

"But, mamma, I do wish you'd see the mouth of the oracle. It is so
large, and so round, and so ugly. I put my arm into it all the
way," said Mimmy.

But at the present moment her mamma felt no interest in the mouth of
the oracle; and so they all walked down together to the carriage.
And, though the way was steep, Mrs. Thompson managed to pick her
steps without the assistance of an arm; nor did M. Lacordaire
presume to offer it.

The drive back to town was very silent. Mrs. Thompson did make one
or two attempts at conversation, but they were not effectual. M.
Lacordaire could not speak at his ease till this matter was settled,
and he already had begun to perceive that his business was against
him. Why is it that the trade of a tailor should be less honourable
than that of a haberdasher, or even a grocer?

They sat next each other at dinner, as usual; and here, as all eyes
were upon them, they both made a great struggle to behave in their
accustomed way. But even in this they failed. All the world of the
Hotel des Ambassadeurs knew that M. Lacordaire had gone forth to