collar, and with his best hat. Madame Voss had changed her gown,
and appeared in her own little room before her husband returned
almost in her Sunday apparel. She had said a doubtful word to
Marie, suggesting a clean ribbon, or an altered frill. Marie had
replied only by a look. She would not have changed a pin for
Urmand's coming, had all Granpere come round her to tell her that it
was needful. If the man wanted more to eat than was customary, let
him have it. It was not for her to measure her uncle's hospitality.
But her ribbons and her pins were her own.

The carriage was driving up to the door, and Michel with his young
friend descended among the circle of expectant admirers. Urmand was
rich, always well dressed, and now he was to be successful in love.
He had about him a look as of a successful prosperous lover, as he
jumped out of the little carriage with his portmanteau in his hand,
and his greatcoat with its silk linings open at the breast. There
was a consciousness in him and in every one there that he had not
come now to buy linen. He made his way into the little room where
Madame Voss was standing up, waiting for him, and was taken by the
hand by her. Michel Voss soon followed them.

'And where is Marie?' Michel asked.

An answer came from some one that Marie was upstairs. Supper would
soon be ready, and Marie was busy. Then Michel sent up an order by
Peter that Marie should come down. But Marie did not come down.
'She had gone to her own room,' Peter said. Then there came a frown
on Michel's brow. Marie had promised to try, and this was not
trying. He said no more till they went up to supper. There was
Marie standing as usual at the soup tureen. Urmand walked up to