One day, when she had stayed in the house, she understood, when the children came in, and from the expression of Blanche Vernier's face, that something unusual had happened during the walk. Marie Louise, a little troubled, wore a mysterious circumspect air which was very evident, while big Philippe was swelled with his own importance almost to the bursting point. The others tried to explain that they had met a gentleman--a remarkable phenomenon at Saint Martin at this season--but the little girl interrupted them brusquely in an authoritative voice: "Be quiet." Over the heads of the youngsters, Blanche gave lively signals which bespoke no good. "Go and have tea in the dining-room," commanded Elizabeth, out of patience, and when the drawing-room was empty, she asked her friend, "What has happened: Anything serious?" "Well, as we were coming down towards the Château of Saint-Ferriol we met a man...." "Who?" "Wait a minute--a man whom I did not know." Elizabeth, nervous, asked these questions: "What was he like?" "You know I can't distinguish men very well, one from the other. It seemed to me he was very tall, rather thin, sharp features and a military air. Is that he?" "Go on." "He looked at us as we passed, then after we had gone a few steps he turned round and called: 'Marie Louise.' Your daughter raised her head and then ran to him." "You should not have allowed her to speak to a stranger." "You know very well that he was not a stranger. Naturally I did not know it, and I called out and then stopped. But the little girl paid no attention to what I said. She made a sign to her brother to join her. So I came up to interfere more directly, and it is to my credit, because you know how shy I am. 'These children are in my charge.' 'I give them back to you, Madame,' he replied, bowing very politely to me. 'I am a relative and I allowed myself to stop them.' He was very much touched. He was holding Marie Louise and Philippe by the hand. I even think he had tears in his eyes." "You are not sure?" "I am a little short-sighted, and I am always afraid of being indiscreet in looking too closely. Then he kissed the children passionately--almost madly. I was sorry for him. I could have cried too. I cry so easily. "'Come with us,' Marie Louise said to him. "'I can't--' "'Mamma did not see you, did she?' "'I must go away.' "'Already? This is not a visit. You will come back?' "'Yes.' "He passed on hurriedly. I thought he had disappeared behind the chestnut trees, but as I turned back, I saw him looking after us--" "That is all?" "Yes, that is all." "I placed my children in your charge. You should not have left them--" "Left them?" "Yes, even for a minute...."