say that she neglected her work because of this dressed-up doll; but
she would wait till she was sure of him,--till she was sure of her
uncle also. In her present frame of mind she could not have spoken
to the doll with ordinary courtesy. What she feared was, that her
uncle should seek her up-stairs.

But Michel had some idea that her part in the play was not an easy
one, and was minded to spare her for that night. But she had
promised to try, and she must be reminded of her promise. Hitherto
she certainly had not tried. Hitherto she had been ill-tempered,
petulant, and almost rude. He would not see her himself this
evening, but he would send a message to her by his wife. 'Tell her
from me that I shall expect to see smiles on her face to-morrow,'
said Michel Voss. And as he spoke there certainly were no smiles on
his own.

'I suppose she is flurried,' said Madame Voss.

'Ah, flurried! That may do for to-night. I have been very good to
her. Had she been my own, I could not have been kinder. I have
loved her just as if she were my own. Of course I look now for the
obedience of a child.'

'She does not mean to be undutiful, Michel.'

'I do not know about meaning. I like reality, and I will have it
too. I consulted herself, and was more forbearing than most fathers
would be. I talked to her about it, and she promised me that she
would do her best to entertain the man. Now she receives him and me
with an old frock and a sulky face. Who pays for her clothes? She