ranged with
Marthe Desvignes. The latter, Charlotte's younger sister and at one
time the inseparable friend of Rose, had been waiting for him for nearly
three years now, with her bright smile and air of affectionate good
sense. They had known one another since childhood, and had exchanged
many a vow along the lonely paths of Janville. But they had said to one
another that they would do nothing prematurely, that for the happiness
of a whole lifetime one might well wait until one was old enough and
strong enough to undertake family duties. Some people were greatly
astonished that a young man whose future was so promising, and whose
position at twenty-six years of age was already a superb one, should
thus obstinately espouse a penniless girl. Mathieu and Marianne smiled,
however, and consented, knowing their son's good reasons. He had no
desire to marry a rich girl who would cost him more than she brought,
and he was delighted at having discovered a pretty, healthy, and
very sensible and skilful young woman, who would be at all times his
companion, helpmate, and consoler. He feared no surprises with her, for
he had studied her; she united charm and good sense with kindliness, all
that was requisite for the happiness of a household. And he himself was
very good-natured, prudent, and sensible, and she knew it and willingly
took his arm to tread life's path with him, certain as she felt that
they would thus walk on together until life's end should be reached,
ever advancing with the same tranquil step under the divine and limpid
sun of reason merged in love.

Great preparations were made at Chantebled on the day before the
wedding. Nevertheless, the ceremony was to remain of an intimate
character, on account of the recent mourning. The only guests, apart
from members of the family, were the Seguins and the Beauchenes, and
even the latter were cousins. So there would scarcely be more than a
score of them altogether, and only a lunch was to be given. One matter
which gave them some brief concern was to decide where to set the table,
and how to decorate it. Those early days of July were so bright and warm
that they resolved to place it out of doors under the trees. There was
a fitting and delightful spot in front of the old shooting-box, the
primitive pavilion, which had been their first residence on their
arrival in the Janville district. That pavilion was indeed like the
family nest, the hearth whence it had radiated over the