that were not lost on the father of Esperance.

"Did you see my daughter?"

"Yes. I just went to congratulate her."

"How did you find her?"

"Amazing! She is splendid, but not vain. She seems sure of herself and
at the same time shows a little stage fright, a special variety which
makes her hands like ice, and tightens her throat, as you must have
noticed from the strain in her first speeches."

"Indeed I noticed it, and was a little frightened," said Mlle.
Frahender.

"I know," said Jean Perliez, "but we need not be worried. It does not
affect her powers and the force of her decision. She is invincible."

He heaved a deep sigh and withdrew into a corner to hide the emotion
which was choking him. Francois Darbois had divined the fervent love
this youth felt for his daughter, and understood the sufferings of
this timid love which dared not declare itself lest it be repulsed.
However, the chemist, the father of this young man, occupied a
respected position as a well-to-do man, with an unblemished
reputation. Why should he not declare himself, or at least try to find
some encouragement? Francois Darbois would have been well contented
with this marriage. Esperance was still too young, but, once engaged,
they could wait awhile. He secretly took cognizance of Jean Perliez's
sufferings, and a wave of pity surged up in his heart. "I will have to