"Roger,—are you speaking of Roger?"
"The same."
"Ah, my friend," said Madame Dalize, "now I understand the joy you expressed." Then she added, as she closed the window, "I will dress myself and be down in a moment."
Hardly had the window of Madame Dalize's room closed than a little girl of some ten years, with a bright and pretty face surrounded by black curly hair, came in sight from behind the château. As she caught sight of Monsieur Dalize, she ran towards him.
"Good-morning, papa," she said, throwing herself into his open arms.
"Good-morning, my child," said Monsieur Dalize, taking the little girl upon his knees and kissing her over and over again.
"Ah, papa," said the child, "you seem very happy this morning."
"And you have noticed that too, Miette?"
"Why, of course, papa; any one can see that in your face."
"Well, I am very happy."