Then Madame would leave them, and to the near-by cemetery she would go. She would visit it, before starting the journey homeward to Paris and to her little Margot. Usually these visits of Madame Villard occurred after a tour of the country. Those tours took her into very many villages of France, and always for the same purpose--always for a possible sign, a tiny clue of her lost grandchild. "Madame is here," called the Major's youngest. "The big bright car is outside. See! Madame is coming in." A flock of eager youngsters gathered about the little lady. She kissed them all and then sat down in the coolness of the Major's hallway. "I have traveled far," she told the Major, after they were settled comfortably. The Major's children were outside in their arbor opening wonderful packages. The Major's children were not starved for play. True, Madame Villard was the only one who gave them shop toys. But their playthings were the brooks of the forest, the little farm animals, and sticks and stones. [Illustration: MAJOR d'ARTROT AND HIS FAMILY] Happy little d'Artrots! The Major did not worry because they were so poor. They had plenty of time for play. "Through Verdun (vĕr-dŭn´) and Reims (rēmz) and the valley of the Meuse (mūz) I have traveled, dear Major d'Artrot," said Madame Villard. "My travels have now become a habit. There is surely no more hope. But on and on I go." [Illustration: REIMS CATHEDRAL] Major d'Artrot took her hand. "You must not say that, dear Madame," he answered. "There is always hope. And remember what joy you bring with your visits to us. We are always so glad to see you." Madame thanked the Major and smiled. "You are kind," she said. "I am always happy here with you and with your little dear ones. But this time my visit is to be short. I must leave for Paris to-morrow." "So soon? That is a pity," the Major said. "No," smiled Madame Villard. "My little Margot's birthday is coming soon. I have promised to return and see to a very important part of her celebration." Madame Villard's eyes were now twinkling. "Can you guess what that very important part might be for a young miss and her birthday?" "No, I am afraid I do not know," the Major said. "Well, dear Major, the young miss is to have a party frock which Grandmother will give her. Now do you admit that is a most important part of any young lady's birthday celebration?" "Yes," laughed Major d'Artrot, "very important and serious!" Then Major d'Artrot pulled a little card out of his pocket and showed it to Madame. "And since Mademoiselle (mȧd-mwȧ-zĕl´) Margot is to have a beautiful frock," he said, "why do you not take her to this old friend of mine who makes some of the loveliest frocks in Paris?" Madame Villard read the card and then looked up at the Major questioningly. [Illustration: VERDUN]