ette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest. In the
first place, they could not do otherwise; secondly, she was never afraid
with Ourson and always thought that what he decided to do was right.

[Illustration: _Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the
forest_]

Ourson now arranged Violette's bed of moss in the best possible manner,
took off his coat and in spite of her resistance spread it over her.
Then, after having seen Violette's eyes close and sleep take possession
of all her senses he lay at her feet and soon slept most profoundly.

Violette was the first awake in the morning. She walked around the tree
which had sheltered them during the night. Ourson awaked and not seeing
Violette he sprang up in an instant and called her name in a voice
choking with terror.

"I am here! I am here, dear brother!" she replied, running towards him;
"I am seeking the path to the farm. But what is the matter? you
tremble!"

"I thought you had been carried away by some wicked fairy, dear
Violette, and I reproached myself for having fallen asleep. Let us go
now quickly in order to reach home before mamma and Passerose are
awake."

Ourson knew the forest well. He soon found the path to the farm and they
arrived some moments before Agnella and Passerose awoke. They agreed to
conceal from Agnella the dangers to which they had been exposed, to
spare her anguish and disquietude for the future. Passerose alone was
made the confidant of their dangerous adventures.

THE CONFLAGRATION

Ourson now forbade Violette to go alone in the forest. She was no longer
allowed to carry him his dinner so he always returned to the house at
midday. Violette never left the farm without Ourson.

Three years after the event in the forest, Ourson saw Violette arise in
the morning pale and exhausted. She was seeking him.

"Come, come," she said, drawing him along, "I have something to
say--something to relate--Oh, come!"

Ourson was much alarmed and followed her precipitately.

"What is it, dear Violette? For the love of Heaven, speak to me! What
can I do for you?"

"Nothing, nothing, dear Ourson; you can do nothing--only listen to me.
You remember the dream I had in my childhood, of the toad! the river!
the danger! Well, last night I had this same dream again. It is
terrible! terrible! Ourson, dear Ourson, your life is menaced! If you
die, I will die also!"

"How! By whom is my life threatened?"

"Listen! I w