"What's the matter, child?" said the musician. "Has any misfortune happened to you?"
"Alas! yes, sir."
"Speak! speak! What is it?"
She was silent.
"Now, out with it," said he. "I see it all clearly enough. After he had made you a thousand promises he has forsaken you. Is it not so?"
"Alas! poor fellow, he has indeed forsaken me, but he is quite innocent."
"How has that happened?"
"He has drawn a bad number in the conscription, and must go off for a soldier. I shall never see him again!" sobbed the poor girl.
"But can't you buy a substitute for him?"
"How could I get such a large sum? Fifteen hundred francs is the lowest price, for there is a report that a war will soon break out," said she.