er:

"My dear Edmee, you have entered a family which for the past forty years
has been subjected to reverses which can only be repaired by great
self-denial on our part. We cannot hope to enjoy the fruits of our
labors ourselves, but our children, should God grant us any, may enjoy
them, and it is for their sakes that we must endeavor to restore the
house of Chamondrin to its former splendor and opulence; and since you
have consented to share my humble lot I hope that you will unite your
efforts with mine to lay aside each year a sum that will enable our
oldest son, when he arrives at the age of manhood, to make a respectable
appearance at court where he will perhaps be fortunate enough to win the
king's favor, our only hope."

"You will ever find me ready to second you in your efforts," replied the
young wife.

A son and a daughter were born to them during the two years that
followed. Nor were these their only blessings. The crops were abundant
and their savings considerable. The life of the young couple was serene
and happy. The Marquis was hopeful; the Marquise, a charming and most
lovable creature, shared his hopes. Undoubtedly their life in this
isolated chateau was often lonely and monotonous. The winters were very
long; but the Marquis read a great deal, hunted and superintended his
farms with the diligence of a peasant. The Marquise, too, was obliged to
have a finger in the pie, to use a common expression. She directed the
affairs of her household with as much care and economy as the plainest
bourgeoise and seemed to live only to second the efforts of her husband.
If resignation is the chief element of happiness, they were happy at the
Chateau de Chamondrin.

Four years passed in this way. Little Philip was growing finely; he had
passed safely through the perils of teething and was beginning to talk.

"We will make a fine gentleman of him," said the Marquis. "He will
create a sensation at court; the king will give him command of a
regiment, and he will marry some rich heiress. As for this young lady,"
he added, caressing his daughter who was named Martha, "if we cannot
give her a dowry we will obtain an appointment as lady abbess for her."

The Marquise encouraged her dear Hector in these projects with her
sweetest smile; but a terrible accident, followed by a catastrophe no
less horrible, destroyed these delightful dreams and brought desolation
to this happy home.

Towards the close of the year 1769, Ma