"A handkerchief which Nicholas gave me."
"He gave me one also," said Francois proudly.
"And where did they come from? It would surprise me if Nicholas should have bought them for you."
The children hung their heads, without replying. After a moment's pause, Francois said resolutely, "Nicholas gave them to us; we don't know where they came from, do we, Amandine?"
"No, no, brother," answered she, stammering and blushing, and not daring to raise her eyes."
"Do not tell a lie!" said Martial sweetly.
"We do not lie!" added Francois, boldly.
"Amandine, my child, tell the truth," said Martial, gently.
"Well, to tell the whole truth," answered Amandine, timidly, "they came from a box of goods which Nicholas brought to-night in his boat."
"Stolen?"