On the way, Monsieur Roger, who was looking with emotion upon the two young people, but whose eyes were particularly fixed upon Paul, said, in a low voice, to Monsieur Dalize,—
"They are charming children."
"And it is especially Paul whom you think charming; acknowledge it," answered Monsieur Dalize, in the same tone.
"Why should Paul please me more than Albert?" asked Monsieur Roger.
"Ah, my poor friend," replied Monsieur Dalize, "because the father of Albert is here and the father of Paul is far away."
Monsieur Dalize was right. Monsieur Roger, without wishing it, had felt his sympathies attracted more strongly to this child, who was, for the time being, fatherless. He bent over to Monsieur Dalize, and asked,—
"Where is Paul's father?"
"In Martinique, where he does a big business in sugar-cane and coffee. Monsieur Solange was born in France, and he decided that his son should come here to study."
"I can understand that," replied Monsieur Roger; "but what a sorrow this exile must cause the mother of this child!"
"Paul has no mother: she died several years ago."