owers are all in bloom. I was a little bored. Dear
grandpapa had been cross all the morning, and poor mamma dared not say a
word, being afraid of those frowning eyebrows which have always laid down
the law for her. I was thinking what a pity it was to be so entirely
alone, in the middle of the summer, in such a lovely spot, and that I
should be very glad, now that I have left the convent, and am destined to
pass whole seasons in the country, to have as in the old day, some one to
run about the woods and paths with me.

"To be sure, Georges comes occasionally, but he always arrives very late,
just in time for dinner, and is off again with my father in the morning
before I am awake. And then he is a serious-minded man now, is Monsieur
Georges. He works at the factory, and business cares often bring frowns
to his brow.

"I had reached that point in my reflections when suddenly dear grandpapa
turned abruptly to me:

"'What has become of your little friend Sidonie? I should be glad to have
her here for a time.'

"You can imagine my delight. What happiness to meet again, to renew the
pleasant friendship that was broken off by the fault of the events of
life rather than by our own! How many things we shall have to tell each
other! You, who alone had the knack of driving the frowns from my
terrible grandpapa's brow, will bring us gayety, and I assure you we need
it.

"This lovely Savigny is so lonely! For instance, sometimes in the morning
I choose to be a little coquettish. I dress myself, I make myself
beautiful with my hair in curls and put on a pretty gown; I walk through
all the paths, and suddenly I realize that I have taken all this trouble
for the swans and ducks, my dog Kiss, and the cows, who do not even turn
to look at me when I pass. Thereupon, in my wrath, I hurry home, put on a
thick gown and busy myself on the farm, in the servants' quarters,
everywhere. And really, I am beginning to believe that ennui has
perfected me, and that I shall make an excellent housekeeper.

"Luckily the hunting season will soon be here, and I rely upon that for a
little amusement. In the first place, Georges and father, both
enthusiastic sportsmen, will come oftener. And then you will be here, you
know. For you will reply at once that you will come, won't you? Monsieur
Risler said not long ago that you were not well. The air of Savigny will
do you worlds of good.

"Everybody here expects you. And I am dying with impatience.