concert with Adrian Urmand, who, however, was very docile in her
hands. Urmand, after he had been accepted, soon managed to bring
himself back to that state of mind in which he had before regarded
the possession of Marie Bromar as very desirable. For some four-
and-twenty hours, during which he had thought himself to be ill-
used, and had meditated a retreat from Granpere, he had contrived to
teach himself that he might possibly live without her; but as soon
as he was accepted, and when the congratulations of the men and
women of Granpere were showered down upon him in quick succession,--
so that the fact that the thing was to be became assured to him,--he
soon came to fancy again that he was a man as successful in love as
he was in the world's good, and that this acquisition of Marie's
hand was a treasure in which he could take delight. He undoubtedly
would be ready by the day named, and would go home and prepare
everything for Marie's arrival.

They were very little together as lovers during those two days, but
it was necessary that there should be an especial parting. 'She is
up-stairs in the little sitting-room,' Aunt Josey said; and up-
stairs to the little sitting-room Adrian Urmand went.

'I am come to say good-bye,' said Urmand.

'Good-bye, Adrian,' said Marie, putting both her hands in his, and
offering her cheek to be kissed.

'I shall come back with such joy for the 15th,' said he.

She smiled, and kissed his cheek, and still held his hand.
'Adrian,' she said.