when she crept up cold to bed, she had almost made up her mind that
it would be best for her to do as her uncle wished. As for loving
the man, that was out of the question. But then would it not be
better to do without love altogether?



CHAPTER VIII.

'How is it to be?' said Michel to his niece the next morning. The
question was asked downstairs in the little room, while Urmand was
sitting at table in the chamber above waiting for the landlord.
Michel Voss had begun to feel that his visitor would be very heavy
on hand, having come there as a visitor and not as a man of
business, unless he could be handed over to the woman-kind. But no
such handing over would be possible, unless Marie would acquiesce.
'How is it to be?' Michel asked. He had so prepared himself that he
was ready in accordance with a word or a look from his niece either
to be very angry, thoroughly imperious, and resolute to have his way
with the dependent girl, or else to be all smiles, and kindness, and
confidence, and affection. There was nothing she should not have,
if she would only be amenable to reason.

'How is what to be, Uncle Michel?' said Marie.

The landlord thought that he discovered an indication of concession
in his niece's voice, and began immediately to adapt himself to the
softer courses. 'Well, Marie, you know what it is we all wish. I
hope you understand that we love you well, and think so much of you,
that we would not intrust you to any one living, who did not bear a