"I needn't be afraid I shall have no work to do, when we have a little immortal soul to train." Guy said nothing. Watching the soft flushed face of his young wife, he wondered if children of her own would be given to her to complete the crown of her womanhood. He had no fears about the training of them. He knew that he would be able to echo the words of the wise man of old: "Her children arise up and call her blessed." And so Adrienne settled down to her life as mistress of the Château. She had gained the love and confidence of the village when she had been "Our Mademoiselle." Now, as "Madame," she was always sure of a welcome from any and all. When Christmas came there was much rejoicing. Alain had his big Christmas Tree in the hall, and all the village were invited to it. Those who could not, owing to age or infirmity, be present, had presents taken to them. It was a cold winter, and blankets and grocery tickets were freely distributed. Then, when the festive season was over, Alain's education was once more discussed. One snowy afternoon Guy came in rather late from a visit to Orleans. He found Adrienne writing letters in her boudoir. She was seated in an easy-chair by a blazing fire, with her writing-pad in her lap. She looked up with a happy smile as he appeared at the door. "Have you had a cold drive? You took the car, did you not?" "Yes, and it's bitter." He came in and stood back to the fire, warming his hands behind him. "I've engaged a tutor for Alain. Tumbled across him to-day. He's a Russian—a young Count, I believe—without relations or home, has been making his living since he left the country by teaching, and is out of a job." Adrienne looked dubious. "I would almost rather it were a woman," she said. "And a foreigner, Guy, and a stranger? I suppose you haven't taken him without good recommendations?" "Excellent testimonials. He is little more than a boy, but you know how clever Russians are. We don't want him in the house, but André Gaugy has rooms, and his wife would be glad of a lodger. I've arranged that he shall come up here and give up his mornings for lessons; and in the afternoon I thought he could take the boy for rides or walks and keep him out of mischief." "You've arranged everything very quickly. I wish you would let me have a say sometimes in your arrangements." Adrienne spoke impulsively. She added: "Alain is a very small boy, and very easily impressed for good or bad. I should not like him to be spoiled by unwise influence. Is this young Russian sound in religion and principles?" Guy looked down upon her with rather rueful eyes: