"Have you heard the news? I am marrying her."
"Really?" said Philippe.
"Yes, to one of my cousins at Nancy, a man rather well-on in years, perhaps, but a serious, active and intelligent fellow. Suzanne likes him very much. You do like him very much, don't you, Suzanne?"
The girl seemed not to hear the question and asked:
"Is Marthe in her room, Philippe?"
"Yes, on the second floor."
"I know, the blue room. I was here yesterday, helping Mme. Morestal. I must run up and give her a kiss."
She turned round in the doorway and kissed her hand to the three men, keeping her eyes fixed on Philippe.
"How pretty and charming your daughter is!" said Morestal to Jorancé.