"You are entirely too good-natured, M. Olivier. Let me at least spoil his pretty face with my nails, the brigand." "Nonsense! He's much more stupid than wicked." "He's both, M. Olivier, he's both, I tell you!" "But how is my uncle this morning? I went out so early that he was still asleep, and I didn't like to wake him." "He is feeling better, for he and I just had a fine dispute about his monster. And then your return, why, it is worth more to him than all the medicines in the world, and when I think that but for you that frightful Bouffard might have turned us out in three or four days! And Heaven knows that our belongings wouldn't have brought much, for our six tablespoons and the commander's watch went when he was ill three years ago." "My good Mother Barbancon, don't talk of that, or you will drive me mad, for when my furlough is over I shall not be here, and what happened to-day may happen again at any time. But I won't even think of it. It is too terrible!" The commander's bell rang, and on hearing the sound the housekeeper said to the young man, whose face wore an almost heart-broken expression: "That is the commander ringing. For heaven's sake don't look so sad, M. Olivier; he will be sure to suspect something." "You needn't be afraid of that. But, by the way, Gerald is sure to call this morning. You must let him in." "All right, M. Olivier. Go to the commander at once, and I will soon have your breakfast ready. Dear me, M. Olivier," she continued, with a sigh, "can you be content with--" "My dear, good woman," cried the young soldier, without allowing her to finish, "don't I always have enough? Aren't you always depriving yourself of something to give it to me?" "Hush! Monsieur is ringing again. Hasten to him at once!" And Olivier obeyed. CHAPTER XXV. MATRIMONIAL INTENTIONS DISCLOSED. At the sight of Olivier, the commander's features assumed a joyful expression, and, not being able to rise from his armchair, he held out both hands to his nephew, saying: "Good morning, my boy." "Good morning, uncle." "I feel strongly inclined to scold you." "Me, uncle?"' "Certainly. Though you only returned yesterday you were off this morning almost before sunrise. I woke quite early, happy in the thought that I was not alone, as I have been for two months past. I glance over at your bed, but no Olivier is to be seen. You had already flown." "But, uncle--"