“But how?”
“Well, an early engagement, for instance. Early engagements make young people think and develop character. In France I think we hasten marriage too much, when you consider that marriage disposes of life and family and a future all in one.”
“It’s true.”
“Margaret has thought of little Jeanne Sassenay for Maurice.”
“But she’s only a child yet.”
“A pretty one, though, and brought up by a lovely mother.”
Her last words were cut short by shrill young voices squalling out:
“Good-evening, grandmother! Good-evening, grandfather!”
It was the advance guard, Peter and Adrienne, out of breath with running, just over the edge of the hill, and tumbling out on the level ground. They struggled to make more speed in spite of the “Not so fast, not so fast,” from Mrs. Roquevillard, and their grandfather caught them on the wing.
“You know, grand-dad,” said Adrienne, who was very talkative, and spoke familiarly to everybody, being no respecter of persons, “Julian stayed behind with Aunt Margaret, and mamma ordered him to come with us.”