"Yes, my dear little mother, the Duke makes himself too agreeable for your big daughter." "But," said the philosopher, "I have never noticed it." "You were absorbed in a philosophic discussion with the Doctor, and the Duke was not speaking very loud." "Can you not be more definite?" asked François Darbois a little nervously. Jean intervened, "May I say something?" "Certainly, my boy." "Well then. I heard the Duke de Morlay-La-Branche make fun of the honesty of Count Styvens, and at that Esperance abruptly broke off the conversation." François turned towards Esperance. "That is so," she said, kissing her father, "so tell me that you are not angry with your little daughter." For answer he kissed her tenderly. "Ah! if I could find a way to shelter you from so much admiration, from being so much sought after. Yet I don't know very well how to defend you." "Do not reproach yourself, dear father, you have been so good, so trusting. I will never betray that confidence, and my godfather will be obliged to consume all his own horrid prophecies." CHAPTER XVIII When Esperance's portrait was finished, the family could not admire it enough. Maurice who was for himself, as for others, a severe critic, said, "It is the first time that I have been satisfied with my own work. Little cousin, you have brought me luck, so if my uncle will permit me I am going to teach you to ride a horse." "My goodness!" said Madame Darbois, "still more anxiety for us!" But Esperance clasped her hands with delight. The first riding lessons were a source of new joy for Esperance. Maurice was an excellent rider, and his passion for horses had made him expert in handling them. He had chosen a horse for his cousin from a stable in the Cotes-du-Nord, the private stable of the Count Marcus de Treilles, the horse had been secured at a bargain on account of some blemishes of his coat. He was very gentle, however, and the Darbois soon felt confidence in him. Doctor Potain had recommended a great deal of physical exercise for the patient, to counteract the excess of mental work which had weakened her heart. "Riding, fishing, walking, tennis," the great specialist had said to François Darbois, "will be the best thing for your daughter, and," pressing his hand, "let her get married as soon as possible." Long excursions about the little island became for Esperance the most delightful part of their country life. Very often M. and Madame Darbois, Mlle. Frahender and Genevieve Hardouin would follow in the brake. They carried their lunch with them and ate it sometimes in the little wood of Loret, sometimes on the cliffs amidst the broom, furze and asters with their golden flowers and silver foliage.