terest when Mlle. Belhomme talked of her
grandfather. Many times Perrine had spoken of M. Vulfran's illness to
Rosalie, but she had only received vague replies to her queries; now,
from her governess, she learned all the details regarding his
affliction.

Like everyone at Maraucourt, Mlle. Belhomme was concerned with M.
Vulfran's health, and she had often spoken with Dr. Ruchon so she was in
a position to satisfy Perrine's curiosity better than Rosalie could.

Her grandfather had a double cataract. It was not incurable; if he were
operated upon he might recover his sight. The operation had not yet been
attempted because his health would not allow it.... He was suffering
from bronchial trouble, and if the operation was to be a success he
would have to be in a perfect state of health. But M. Vulfran was
imprudent. He was not careful enough in following the doctor's orders.
How could he remain calm, as Dr. Ruchon recommended, when he was always
worked up to a fever of anxiety over the continued absence of his son.
So long as he was not sure of his son's fate, there was no chance for
the operation and it was put off. But ... would it be possible to have
it later? That the oculists could not decide. They were uncertain, so
long as the blind man's health continued in this precarious state.

But when Mlle. Belhomme saw that Perrine was also anxious to talk about
Talouel and the two nephews and their hopes regarding the business she
was not so communicative. It was quite natural that the girl should show
an interest in her benefactor, but that she should be interested in the
village gossip was not permissible. Certainly it was not a conversation
for a governess and her pupil.... It was not with talks of this kind
that one should mould the character of a young girl.

Perrine would have had to renounce all hope of getting any information
from her governess if Casimir's mother, Madame Bretoneux, had not
decided to come to the chateau on a visit. This coming visit opened the
lips of Mlle. Belhomme, which otherwise would certainly have remained
closed.

As soon as the governess heard that Mme. Bretoneux was coming she had a
very serious talk with her little pupil.

"My dear child," she said, lowering her voice, "I must give you some
advice; I want you to be very reserved with this lady who is coming here
tomorrow."

"Reserved, about what?" asked Perrine in surprise.

"Monsieur Vulfran did not only ask me to take charge of y