The carriage arrived an hour after. Eugénie felt somewhat agitated at the thought of meeting Louis' father and sister. "Shall I like them? Will they like me?" she said to herself, as she proceeded resolutely to the door to receive them. She first shook hands with Aline. The poor girl was pale with anxiety, but her very anxiety increased her beauty. She made a conquest of Eugénie at the first glance. Her thoughtful air, the distinction of her manners, her intelligent and animated countenance, were all pleasing to her. Eugénie felt, if Aline did not become her friend, it would be because she did not wish to. Their interview lasted only a few minutes; then Aline followed Mr. Smithson, who had taken her father's arm, to Louis' room. Eugénie was also pleased with M. Beauvais. He had a cold, stern air, but so had Mr. Smithson himself. Quite a series of incidents of no special importance occurred after this, which it would take too much time to relate. I must hasten to end my story, as you wish, I fear. A week after, Mr. Smithson's house was _en fête_ to celebrate Louis' convalescence. Both families assembled on this occasion. Aline, Eugénie, and Mme. Smithson, who had again become the excellent woman she was when we first knew her, formed a trio of friends such as is seldom found. And one would have taken Mr. Smithson and Louis' father for two old friends from boyhood, so familiarly did they converse. They seemed to understand each other at half a word. "What a delightful _réunion_!" said Mr. Smithson when they came to the dessert. "It is hard to think we must all separate to-morrow. But it is settled that you, M. Louis, are to come back as soon as you are perfectly well." "I give you my word," said Louis; "and promise also never to leave you from the time you see me again." "I hope you will carry out that intention. We will never separate again. But you are young, and it is more difficult for a young man to foresee what may occur." "As far as it depends on me, I can." As Louis said these words, he glanced at Eugénie, who sat opposite. His look seemed to say: "There is the magnet that will keep me here for ever!" Eugénie blushed. Every one noticed it. "It is useless for you to say that," said Mr. Smithson. "I shall always be in fear of your escape till you are positively bound here. But how shall we bind you to St. M----? There is one way," and Mr. Smithson smiled as he spoke; "which has occurred to the parents; will the children consent?" Eugénie and Louis looked at each other. In the eyes of both beamed the same joy. "The children make no reply, ..." resumed Mr. Smithson. "Pardon me," exclaimed Louis. "I dare not be the first to answer." "Silence implies consent," replied Mr. Smithson. "If Eugénie is not of your mind, let her protest against it. Otherwise I shall give my own interpretation to her silence." "I do not protest," said Eugénie, unusually intimidated.