In great astonishment Madame Dalize asked, addressing herself rather to her daughter than to her husband,—
"What is the matter?"
Miss Miette made a slight motion, as if to say that she had better not answer; but this time Monsieur Dalize had heard.
He lifted sad eyes to his wife's face.
"Now, where has all the joy of the morning fled, my friend?" asked Madame Dalize. "And why this sudden sadness?"
"Because this child"—and Monsieur Dalize passed his hand through his daughter's thick curls—"has reminded me of the sorrows of Roger."
"Miette?" demanded Madame Dalize. "What has she said to you?"
"She simply said, when I spoke to her of Roger, 'The poor gentleman.' And she was right,—the poor gentleman, poor Roger."
"Undoubtedly," answered Madame Dalize; "but ten years have passed since that terrible day, and time heals many wounds."