help laughing.

CHAPTER XX.

TOM'S VISIT TO HIS UNCLE.

Tom Soher was now constantly on the watch to see if he might catch
his uncle alone. He was soon satisfied on that account.

One evening, he saw Adele come out of the farm-house. He hid himself
and let her go by, then he went towards "Les Marches."

He walked straight in, and was not surprised to see his uncle busily
engaged cleaning carrot seed.

Tom was in such a state of excitement and rage, that he hardly knew
what he was saying.

"Good evening, uncle," he said, "busy?"

"Good evening, Tom," was the reply, with the addition: "Yes, you
know the French proverb: 'Do not lose a single hour, since you are
not certain of a minute.'"

"Quite right uncle; shall I help you?"

"No, thank you, now that you are here, we shall talk, and I'll do
that job to-morrow."

The farmer fetched a mug of cider and placed it on the table between
them. Tom was delighted.

"I am glad that you are here," quoth Mr. Rougeant. "It is not that I
generally care for visitors, but you are always welcome. Besides,
Adele is gone and we shall pass the evening agreeably."

"That's what I thought, uncle."

Mr. Rougeant looked, at his nephew and wondered what ailed him.

"Did you know she was gone?" he asked, and added: "Perhaps you met
her down the road."

"No; is she gone?" asked Tom.

Said the farmer inly: "Is the fellow mad?" aloud; "Yes; she is gone
to a concert."

"Where?" questioned the nephew.

"I don't know, I did not ask her."

"You let her go all alone when it is dark!"

"Yes; she's not particularly timid. She is so fond of music, poor
girl, I did not care to refuse her, and, as she has fallen in with
my views, or very nearly so, I must allow her a little freedom."

"Perhaps she has a companion," said Tom.

"No; she says she prefers going alone; it will not be for long,
however; in another month she will, I hope, be your betrothed."

Tom felt a pang of vexation run through him. He was ready to
explode, but succeeded in showing a good exterior and said jokingly:
"Suppose she came accompanied by some young fellow."

"She never would dare to do so."

"I would not say so if I were you, uncle; it's not a good sign when
a young girl is always out like that. Haven't you noticed that she
very often goes out in the evening lately?"

The old man's suspicions were beginning to be aroused. "I had not
even thought of it," he said "but, indeed, it's as you sa