an to the boy--he became his
father. When Henri and Henriette were born, it seemed to Denoisel that
he had been given a brother and sister; but he adored the baby Renee,
and he alone succeeded in making her listen and obey.

"Sometimes," said Henri to Denoisel as they travelled back to Paris, "my
sister's follies are harmless enough; but to-night ... before that
fellow ... I am sure the marriage will fall through. And such an
excellent match!"

"You think so? I began to fear for her. And that's why I lent myself to
her prank. He is too hopelessly commonplace--a tailor's dummy! He would
never have understood her. Your sister ought to marry a man of
intelligence and character."

And Madame Mauperin, as she prepared for bed, lectured her husband upon
acceding to all his favourite's whims.

"Another marriage missed! Henri spoke to me this evening. He is sure
Reverchon will not have her."

"Well, what of it?"

"Why, he is the tenth! Renee will get an awful reputation. She will see
when she is thirty ... and you too." Then, after a pause, "And now about
your son. He is twenty-nine now. He, at any rate, has no objection to
marriage. Have you ever thought of finding him a suitable wife?"

She continued to talk and to grumble until Mauperin fell asleep.

"Henri is reasonable enough, but he is a young man, and you know the
danger. It's driving me mad! What do you think of trying Madame
Rosieres?"

There was no reply. Madame Mauperin resigned herself to silence, and
turned to find the sleep which only came with morning.

_II.--Plots and Plays_

Next morning Madame Mauperin proceeded to Paris, and drove to her son's
apartments in the Rue Taitbout. She found him at work. After some
beating about the bush she approached the object of her visit.

"I fear," she began, "that you must have some reason for ..."

"For not marrying, isn't it? My dear mother, you need not worry. I know
that wealth is needed for a successful career, and that the best and
most honourable way to obtain it is a good marriage. And I am determined
to make a career. I shall get married soon enough... and better,
perhaps, than you think."

At La Briche, meanwhile, M. Mauperin vainly tried to be stern with his
pet.

"I have done it purposely," she said.

"And why?"

"Because I love you better than that young gentleman who was in no way
sympathetic to me. You are ungrateful."

"But listen, my dear child! Fathers are egotists, and would pref