His thought lost itself in a tangle of vain desires. But for the very reason that the moment was not propitious, he let himself go among the most audacious fancies. His eyes wandered towards the dark wood, as though in search of some favourable retreat. He made movements which he never finished. Raising himself from his chair, he let himself fall back, fidgeted with an empty cup, searched vainly for a match to light his absent cigarette. The arrival of Leonor calmed him. His fate that day was to embark on futile discussions with this young man, and he accepted his destiny. Every one was once more assembled. The conversation was resumed on the tone it had kept up at luncheon; but Rose was dreaming, and M. Hervart had a headache. It was all so spiritless, despite the enticements of M. Lanfranc, that M. Des Boys lost no time in proposing a walk. "If you want us," said Leonor, "to draw up a plan for the transformation of your property, you must show it to us in some detail. Is this wood to be a part of your projected park? And what's beyond it? Another estate, or meadows, or ploughed fields? What are the rights of way? Do you want a single avenue towards Couville? One could equally well have one joining the St. Martin road.... "Do you intend to lay waste this wood?" asked Rose. "It's so beautiful and wild." "My dear young lady," said Leonor, "I intend to do nothing; that is to say, I only intend to please you...." "Do what my daughter wants," said M. Des Boys. "You're here for her sake." "For her sake," Mme. Des Boys repeated. "Oh, well," said Leonor, "we shall get on very well then." "So I hope," said Rose. "I am at your orders," said Leonor. "Come on then," said Rose. With these words she got up, throwing M. Hervart a look which was understood. But as M. Hervart rose to his feet, Mme. Des Boys approached him: "I have something very interesting to tell you." M. Hervart had to let Rose and Leonor plunge alone into the wood in which he had, during these last few days, experienced such delightful emotions. Mme. Des Boys took him into the garden. "I have a question to ask you," she said. "First of all, is architecture a serious profession?" "Very," said M. Hervart. "But do people make really a lot of money at it?" "Lanfranc, who was a beggar when I first knew him, is probably richer than you are to-day. Leonor will go even further, I should think, for he seems an intelligent fellow and knows a lot about his business." "You're not speaking out of mere friendship for him?" "Not at all. Far from it; to tell you the truth I'm not very fond of either of them." "But they're thorough gentlemen and very good company." "Certainly, Lanfranc especially." "Isn't he amusing? His nephew is more severe, but I prefer it." "So do I." "I'm glad to see that you agree with me." She continued after a moment's reflection. "He would be an excellent husband for Rose."