with joy.

"Now," continued M. Lacheneur, "I must tell you my hopes, and acquaint
you with the cause for which I am laboring----"

"What does that matter to me?" Maurice exclaimed, gayly; and, springing
toward Marie-Anne, he seized her hand and raised it to his lips, crying,
with the joyous laugh of youth:

"My cause--here it is!"

Lacheneur turned away. Perhaps he recollected that a sacrifice of his
pride was all that was necessary to assure the happiness of these poor
children.

But if a feeling of remorse entered his mind, he drove it away, and with
increased sternness, he said:

"Still, Monsieur d'Escorval, it is necessary for you to understand our
agreement."

"Make known your conditions, sir."

"First, your visits here--after certain rumors that I have put in
circulation--would arouse suspicion. You must come here only at night,
and then only at hours that have been agreed upon in advance--never when
you are not expected."

The attitude of Maurice expressed his entire consent.