“But you are delighted at that. You wouldn’t alter that fact, I am sure.” “No, no. And Annette--” “But Annette is no new grievance; that has become quite an old story, hasn’t it?” “Ye-es, but there Victor comes in. We have been such comrades. I have been going over it all out there in the shed. I can’t forget that day when he met me on the road after that night in the cow shed, and we dug out Long Ears. He was so wonderful.” “Long Ears was?” “No, no, it is Victor I am talking about. Then that day of the shoes when he was so clever about getting my footprint. That was a heavenly day to remember. Then when he made the secret about going to _Coin-du-Pres_; he was so happy over it. And now I must think of those things no more, for if he marries Annette they will be absorbed in one another and I shall no longer be first with any friend. It is very hard to be superseded.” Her mother drew her down upon her lap and kissed her. “I suppose it is the end of the year which brings these melancholy thoughts; it can be nothing else, of course. Cheer up, dear child, who knows what unknown knight may not be riding along to meet you in the new year, that ideal knight of yours.” Lucie drew a long sigh, but said nothing. “Here come your father and Victor,” her mother glanced out the window; “let us hear what good news they have to tell.” “Where have they been?” “Looking over the factory. Does it seem promising?” she asked as the two men came in. “Very promising,” replied her husband, nodding with a satisfied air. “There seems to be but one thing left to settle.” He glanced at Lucie, who still sat, with downcast eyes, upon her mother’s knee. Madame Du Bois smiled and lifted her eyebrows suggestively as she turned to Victor. “And what about _Coin-du-Pres_?” she asked. “That depends,” answered the young man hesitatingly, and also glancing at Lucie. “The other alternative, naturally, is much more to be desired.” Lucie glanced up quickly. What did he mean? A rather embarrassed silence fell upon the group. It was broken by Captain Du Bois, who went over and stood in front of Lucie and her mother. “Dear daughter,” he said, “you know very well that your mother and I fell in love in the old-fashioned way, and we have always said that we meant our child should have the same freedom of choice when the time came. There happens, however, to arise an occasion when we must ask you to help us in a decision. I am hoping to reëstablish my business, and Heaven seems to have sent to me one who of all men I should choose to associate with me as junior partner. Our good friend Victor Guerin prefers commercial life here rather than life on a farm at _Coin-du-Pres_, but there are conditions which only you can carry out. Victor will consent to be my partner only if he can also be my son-in-law. He has loved you very loyally, served you very faithfully, dear daughter.” Lucie’s head drooped very low. Her cheeks were crimson, but she appeared unable to make any reply.