chapel, whilst the villagers, most of them followed, many
eager to know the result, and many from real anxiety to assist the
sorrowing parents. Thus, in a moment, was the chapel almost deserted
save by the astonished and overpowered Dorsain, the neglected Rosiere,
the Seigneur, and the officiating priests.

"I thought it would come to this!" exclaimed the uncle after a painful
silence; "I thought it would. Caliste has not been herself for the last
week: poor girl, poor Caliste! the disappointment I am afraid will make
her seriously ill."

"Oh, it is but the heat of the day I trust uncle," replied the offended
and angry Rosiere, rising from her knees before the altar, and arranging
her crown which had been but awkwardly placed on her head. "I can assure
you I felt it very much myself just now. I have no doubt Caliste will be
well enough to dance at the fete this evening."

The kind-hearted man shook his head mournfully as he said, "My dear
niece, I am afraid you are deceiving yourself. I am afraid your poor
sister is seriously indisposed."

"Let us hope for the best," interposed the Seigneur de Salency kindly.

"Ay, uncle, let us hope for the best as Monsieur le Seigneur says,"
exclaimed Lisette. "I can't believe myself it is anything more than the
heat, judging by my own feelings."

At that moment Mimi ran into the chapel, her eyes red with weeping.
"Uncle Dorsain," she said, "my mother has sent me to you to beg you to
stay with Lisette till she can come to be with her. Caliste is very ill
I fear," added the affectionate child, "very, very ill. She does not
know any one but Victorine; she has called so often for Victorine, and
she will not loose her hand, but keeps her close to her side. Poor, poor
Caliste!" she continued with passion, "I hope that you are now content
Lisette, you have killed Caliste by your triumphing over her as you have
done."

Lisette was not in a humour to bear this affront, and she was about to
make a very angry retort on the child, when she perceived that the
villagers were once again entering the chapel to see the conclusion of
the ceremony, so turning to her uncle, she whispered, "You see they do
not want you at home, uncle Dorsain, so you may as well stay with me."

D'Elsac whispered to Mimi to run and tell her mother that he would remain
with Lisette; and the chapel being once again filled, Monsieur le Prieur,
laying his spread hands upon the Rosiere's crown, repeated a bles