pt hold of her, but neither of them uttered a word. Jeanne's
sobbing fell to a whisper, a nervous revolt stiffening her limbs the
while. Helene's first thought was that much notice ought not to be
paid to a child's whims; but to her heart there stole a feeling of
secret shame, and the weight of her daughter's body on her shoulder
brought a blush to her cheeks. She hastened to put Jeanne down, and
each felt relieved.

"Now, be good, and wipe your eyes," said Helene. "We'll make
everything all right."

The child acquiesced in all gentleness, but seemed somewhat afraid and
glanced covertly at her mother. All at once her frame was shaken by a
fit of coughing.

"Good heavens! why, you've made yourself ill now! I cannot stay away
from you a moment. Did you feel cold?

"Yes, mamma; in the back."

"See here; put on this shawl. The dining-room stove is lighted, and
you'll soon feel warm. Are you hungry?"

Jeanne hesitated. It was on the tip of her tongue to speak the truth
and say no; but she darted a side glance at her mother, and,
recoiling, answered in a whisper: "Yes, mamma."

"Ah, well, it will be all right," exclaimed Helene, desirous of
tranquillizing herself. "Only, I entreat you, you naughty child, don't
frighten me like this again."

On Rosalie re-entering the room to announce that dinner was ready,
Helene severely scolded her. The little maid's head drooped; she
stammered out that it was all very true, for she ought to have looked
better after mademoiselle. Then, hoping to mollify her mistress, she
busied herself in helping her to change her clothes. "Good gracious!
madame was in a fine state!" she remarked, as she assisted in removing
each mud-stained garment, at which Jeanne glared suspiciously, still
racked by torturing thoughts.

"Madame ought to feel comfortable now," exclaimed Rosalie when it was
all over. "It's awfully nice to get into dry clothes after a
drenching."

Helene, on finding herself once more in her blue dressing-gown, gave
vent to a slight sigh, as though a new happiness had welled up within
her. She again regained her old cheerfulness; she had rid herself of a
burden in throwing off those bedraggled garments. She washed her face
and hands; and while she stood there, still glistening with moisture,
her dressing-gown buttoned up to her chin, she was slowly approached
by Jeanne, who took one of her hands and kissed it.

At table, however, not a word passed between mother and daughter.