The morning following the events recorded in the last chapter was
ushered in with bright sunshine, and everything pleasant, so far as
outward appearances went, in and out of the mill, though some hearts
were restless or uneasy as to how it would be when the sun rose to run
his accustomed course the next morning. Charlie was perhaps the happiest
of all those whose fortunes we are now following. He had but slight
clouds to dim his horizon; at least his horizon as seen by his own
eyes. He went cheerfully and gladly through his duties that morning, and
never did he more fully merit the name of "Happy Charlie" bestowed on
him by his comrades in the gallant 22nd than he did on the morning in
question. The truth was he was beginning to tire of old Pierre Moullin's
determined refusal to have anything to say to him in the character of
son-in-law. He had made up his mind (and being of a hopeful nature,
considered more than half the battle was fought in consequence), that
come what might, he would prevail on Marguerite to marry him at once,
and trust to gain her Father's forgiveness when the deed was done beyond
recall. And so our friend Charlie whistled and sang through this day,
building all sorts of pleasant castles about his future life, little
thinking what a train was being laid, to which, if the match were
applied, he and his castles would be blown up in a more sanguinary, if
not more decisive manner, than these airy fabrications generally have to
yield to!

Hirzel had been detained on various pretexts by his Father; in
consequence he was rather late in starting for this important business
on which he was to be despatched. From the time he managed to get off,
it was not at all likely that he could be back before 10 o'clock.
Marguerite's heart quite misgave her when she heard this, but as time