"I always make mine myself, and have it regularly at five o'clock, and, even now, I still keep the fire lighted here, for the evenings are apt to be chilly, and I have to take care of my throat. That is my fortune, you know."
"Yes, it is indeed, mademoiselle. How strange that all three of the curé's pupils should have succeeded so well in life, and all so far from their own land."
"It is indeed strange. That thought has often occurred to me, too," said Marie, musingly.
"But," went on Lacroix, "though, of course, I like London and Paris and all this excitement for a time, I often pine for our fresh Canadian breezes, for the dash of the Gulf against the rocks at Father Point! City life is so trammelled, and I long for the unconventional home life from which I have been removed so long."
"Ah! I see you have mal de pays; you see I know the symptoms," said Marie, smiling.
"Yes, I suppose it must be that."
"But how delighted you must be at the success of your picture. I saw by this morning's paper that it was bought by the prince."
"Of course, I am glad of my success. True, it has come late in life; but still it has come. But I shall miss my picture very much."
"Naturally."
"However, I shall soon see the reality again. I am going home for a holiday next month."