"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."