like drunkards, have a providence of their own," he said,
laughing.

That night the poor child, with La Bougival's help, cut off a sufficient
quantity of her long and beautiful blond hair to make a chain; and the
next day she persuaded old Schmucke, the music-master, to take it to
Paris and have the chain made and returned by the following Sunday. When
Savinien got back he informed the doctor and Ursula that he had signed
his articles and was to be at Brest on the 25th. The doctor asked him to
dinner on the 18th, and he passed nearly two whole days in the old man's
house. Notwithstanding much sage advice and many resolutions, the lovers
could not help betraying their secret understanding to the watchful eyes
of the abbe, Monsieur Bongrand, the Nemours doctor, and La Bougival.

"Children," said the old man, "you are risking your happiness by not
keeping it to yourselves."

On the fete-day, after mass, during which several glances had been
exchanged, Savinien, watched by Ursula, crossed the road and entered the
little garden where the pair were practically alone; for the kind old
man, by way of indulgence, was reading his newspapers in the pagoda.

"Dear Ursula," said Savinien; "will you make a gift greater than my
mother could make me even if--"

"I know what you wish to ask me," she said, interrupting him. "See, here
is my answer," she added, taking from the pocket of her apron the box
containing the chain made of her hair, and offering it to him with a
nervous tremor which testified to her illimitable happiness. "Wear
it," she said, "for love of me. May it shield you from all dangers by
reminding you that my life depends on yours."

"Naughty little thing! she is giving him a chain of her hair," said the
doctor to himself. "How did she manage to get it? what a pity to cut
those beautiful fair tresses; she will be giving him my life's blood
next."

"You will not blame me if I ask you to give me, now that I am leaving
you, a formal promise to have no other husband than me," said Savinien,
kissing the chain and looking at Ursula with tears in his eyes.

"Have I not said so too often--I who went to see the walls of
Sainte-Pelagie when you were behind them?--" she replied, blushing. "I
repeat it, Savinien; I shall never love any one but you, and I will be
yours alone."

Seeing that Ursula was half-hidden by the creepers, the young man could
not deny himself the happiness of pressing her to his heart and kissing
h