“Yes, madame, thirteen months ago.”

“You must be very happy! for you were very much in love with her, and she loved you dearly too.”

“Yes, madame.”

“Have you any children?”

“What a foolish creature!” said Ernest; “do you suppose that they have had six or seven in thirteen months?”

“I mean a child.”

“Yes, I have had a little daughter for two months and a half.

“Ah! you are luckier than we are. I should like so much to have a child; and since my miscarriage—But this time I have hopes.”

And the little woman glanced at Ernest with a smile; he smiled back at her, saying:

“Are such things mentioned before people?”