He drew up before the veranda, where Mirabelle Marie and Claude both happened to be standing. There were at first incredulous glances, then a great burst of noise from the woman and an amazed grunt from the man.
Bidiane flew up the steps and embraced them, and Emmanuel lingered on in a trance of ecstasy. He could not tear himself away, and did not attempt to do so until the trio vanished into the house.
[CHAPTER II.]
BIDIANE GOES TO CALL ON ROSE À CHARLITTE.
"Love duty, ease your neighbor's load,
Learn life is but an episode,
And grateful peace will fill your mind."
Aminta. Archbishop O'Brien.
Mirabelle Marie and her husband seated themselves in the parlor with Bidiane close beside them.
"You're only a mite of a thing yet," shrieked Mrs. Watercrow, "though you've growed up; but sakerjé! how fine, how fine,—and what a shiny cloth in your coat! How much did that cost?"
"Do not scream at me," said Bidiane, good-humoredly. "I still hear well."