eyes I shall, when he can speak our language, believe implicitly
what he says. That boy would not tell a lie whatever were the
consequences. Altogether I like him much. I think that in a very
little while he will adapt himself to what goes on around him, and
that you will have no reason ere long to complain of his gaucheries."

"And you really think, M. du Tillet, that he will be a useful
companion for my boys?"

"If you will pardon me for saying so, madam, I think that he will
- at any rate I am sure he can be trusted to teach them no wrong."

"You are all against me," the marquise laughed. "And you, Marie?"

"I did not think of him one way or the other," the girl said coldly.
"He is very awkward; but as he is not to be my companion that does
not concern me. It is like one of papa's dogs, one more or less
makes no difference in the house so long as they do not tread upon
one's skirt."

"That is the true spirit of the French nobility, Marie," her father
said sarcastically. "Outside our own circle the whole human race is
nothing to us; they are animals who supply our wants, voila tour.
I tell you, my dear, that the time is coming when this will not
suffice. The nation is stirring; that France which we have so long
ignored is lifting its head and muttering; the news from Paris is
more and more grave. The Assembly has assumed the supreme authority,
and the king is a puppet in its power. The air is dark as with a
thunder-cloud, and there may be such a storm sweep over France as
there has not been since the days of the Jacquerie."