some added ease dropping from the sky. But Pierre, who was very fond of
his mother, who knew her to be somewhat visionary and feared she might
be disappointed, a little grieved, a little saddened if the news were
bad instead of good, checked her:

"Do not get excited, mother; there is no rich American uncle. For my
part, I should sooner fancy that it is about a marriage for Jean."

Every one was surprised at the suggestion, and Jean was a little ruffled
by his brother's having spoken of it before Mme. Rosemilly.

"And why for me rather than for you? The hypothesis is very disputable.
You are the elder; you, therefore, would be the first to be thought of.
Besides, I do not wish to marry."

Pierre smiled sneeringly:

"Are you in love, then?"

And the other, much put out, retorted: "Is it necessary that a man
should be in love because he does not care to marry yet?"

"Ah, there you are! That 'yet' sets it right; you are waiting."

"Granted that I am waiting, if you will have it so."

But old Roland, who had been listening and cogitating, suddenly hit upon
the most probable solution.

"Bless me! what fools we are to be racking our brains. Maitre Lecanu is