[CHAPTER XX.]
FIRE.
Certainly Monsieur Roger had heard, certainly he tried to convince himself; but when his looks fell upon Paul, his reason forsook him and he doubted again, and even he hoped. Some days passed in a semi-sadness that made every one feel uneasy. The children, without knowing why, knew that something had happened which troubled the mutual happiness of their life. Monsieur and Madame Dalize alone understood and pitied their friend Roger. They endeavored to interest him in other things,—but Monsieur Roger refused walks, excursions, and the invitations of the neighbors. He had asked Monsieur Dalize to let him alone for a while, as he felt the need of solitude.
One morning Albert said to his father,—
"Father, Paul and I wish to go with a fishing-party to the farm, as we did last year. Will you allow us to do so?"
"Yes," answered Monsieur Dalize; "but on one condition."
"What is it?"
"That you take Monsieur Roger with you."
Albert looked at his father, and answered,—