offer, had declared that he would accede to Madame Faragon's
proposition, and had made his father understand that he must return
to Colmar on the next Monday,--two days before that on which Urmand
was expected at Granpere.

The Monday came, and hitherto there had been no word of explanation
between George and Marie. Every one in the house knew that he was
about to return to Colmar, and every one in the house knew that he
had been entirely reconciled to his father. Madame Voss had asked
some question about him and Marie, and had been assured by her
husband that there was nothing in that suspicion. 'I told you from
the beginning,' said he, 'that there was nothing of that sort. I
only wish that George would think of marrying some one, now that he
is to have a large house of his own over his head.'

George had determined a dozen times that he would, and a dozen times
that he would not, speak to Marie about her coming marriage,
changing his mind as often as it was formed. Of what use was it to
speak to her? he would say to himself. Then again he would resolve
that he would scorch her false heart by one withering word before he
went. Chance at last arranged it for him. Before he started he
found himself alone with her for a moment, and it was almost
impossible that he should not say something. Then he did speak.

'They tell me you are going to be married, Marie. I hope you will
be happy and prosperous.'

'Who tells you so?'

'It is true at any rate, I suppose.'