and printed
a long, tender, and decorous kiss on her forehead. When she had freed
herself, slipping through his arms, she said in a serious tone: "Listen,
I have not yet made up my mind to anything. However, it may be--yes. But
you must promise me the most absolute secrecy till I give you leave to
speak."

He swore this, and left, his heart overflowing with joy.

He was from that time forward very discreet as regards the visits he
paid her, and did not ask for any more definite consent on her part, for
she had a way of speaking of the future, of saying "by-and-by," and of
shaping plans in which these two lives were blended, which answered him
better and more delicately than a formal acceptation.

Duroy worked hard and spent little, trying to save money so as not to be
without a penny at the date fixed for his marriage, and becoming as
close as he had been prodigal. The summer went by, and then the autumn,
without anyone suspecting anything, for they met very little, and only
in the most natural way in the world.

One evening, Madeleine, looking him straight in the eyes said: "You have
not yet announced our intentions to Madame de Marelle?"

"No, dear, having promised you to be secret, I have not opened my mouth
to a living soul."

"Well, it is about time to tell her. I will undertake to inform the
Walters. You will do so this week, will you not?"

He blushed as he said: "Yes, to-morrow."

She had turned away her eyes in order not to notice his confusion, and
said: "If you like we will be married in the beginning of May. That will
be a very good time."

"I obey you in all things with joy."

"The tenth of May, which is a Saturday, will suit me very nicely, for it
is my birthday."

"Very well, the tenth of May."

"Your parents live near Rouen, do they not? You have told me so, at
least."

"Yes, near Rouen, at Canteleu."

"What are they?"

"They are--they are small annuitants."

"Ah! I should very much like to know them."

He hesitated, greatly perplexed, and said: "But, you see, they are--"
Then making up his mind, like a really clever man, he went on: "My dear,
they are mere country folk, innkeepers, who have pinched themselves to
the utmost to enable me to pursue my studies. For my part, I am not
ashamed of them, but their--simplicity--their rustic manners--might,
perhaps, render you uncomfortable."

She smiled, delightfully, her face lit up with gentle kindness as she
replied: "No. I shall be v