ause in opposition to
the clear interests of France. Juliette's first desire was to convince
her of her folly, but she soon lost her temper.

[*] The reader may be reminded that the period of the story is that of
the Crimean war.

"Pooh! hold your tongue; you are talking foolishly! Now, if you had
only studied the matter carefully with me--"

But she broke off to greet Helene, who entered at this moment.

"Good-day, my dear! It is very kind of you to call. I don't suppose
you have any news. This morning's paper talked of an ultimatum. There
has been a very exciting debate in the English House of Commons!"

"No, I don't know anything," answered Helene, who was astounded by the
question. "I go out so little!"

However, Juliette had not waited for her reply, but was busy
explaining to Pauline why it was necessary to neutralize the Black
Sea; and her talk bristled with references to English and Russian
generals, whose names she mentioned in a familiar way and with
faultless pronunciation. However, Henri now made his appearance with
several newspapers in his hand. Helene at once realized that he had
come there for her sake; for their eyes had sought one another and
exchanged a long, meaning glance. And when their hands met it was in a
prolonged and silent clasp that told how the personality of each was
lost in the other.

"Is there anything in the papers?" asked Juliette feverishly.

"In the papers, my dear?" repeated the doctor; "no there's never
anything."

For a time the Eastern Question dropped into the background. There
were frequent allusions to some one whom they were expecting, but who
did not make his appearance. Pauline remarked that it would soon be
three o'clock. Oh he would come, declared Madame Deberle; he had given
such a definite promise; but she never hinted at any name. Helene
listened without understanding; things which had no connection with
Henri did not in the least interest her. She no longer brought her
work when she now came down into the garden; and though her visits
would last a couple of hours, she would take no part in the
conversation, for her mind was ever filled with the same childish
dream wherein all others miraculously vanished, and she was left alone
with him. However, she managed to reply to Juliette's questions, while
Henri's eyes, riveted on her own, thrilled her with a delicious
languor. At last he stepped behind her with the intention of pulling
up one of the blinds, a