Monsieur Dalize got up, opened the door of the vestibule, and called Miette. She ran out gayly.
"What do you wish, papa?" she said.
"I want to see our friend Roger. Is he not in the parlor with you?"
"No; he always goes his own way. He does not talk to us any longer; and he has had a very funny, sad look for some time. He is not the same at all."
"Very well, my child," said Monsieur Dalize, interrupting the little girl. "Go back to the parlor and send me your brother."
Albert soon arrived.
"You wanted me, father?" said he.
"Yes; I want you to repeat to me what you told your mother this morning."
Albert thought for a moment; then he said,—