orm has broken.

Could he survive this shock? Perrine asked herself this question with
even greater agony, for it was she and she alone who knew how his great
frame was trembling. His shaking hands grasped her shoulder
convulsively, and without him uttering one word little Perrine knew how
deeply her grandfather was smitten.

After she had guided him into his study he sent her away.

"Explain why I wish to be left alone. No one is to come in here. No one
is to speak to me....

"And I refused to believe you," he murmured as she was leaving him.

"Oh, please; if you will let me...."

"Leave me," he said roughly.

Perrine closed the door softly.

CHAPTER XXVIII

AN UNRESPECTED FUNERAL

There was considerable bustle and excitement at the chateau all that
evening. First M. and Mme. Stanislas Paindavoine, who had received a
telegram from Theodore, arrived. Then M. and Mme. Bretoneux, sent for by
Casimir, came. After that came Mme. Bretoneux's two daughters, their
husbands and children. No one wished to miss the funeral service for
poor dear Edmond.

Besides, this was the decisive moment for clever manoeuvring. What a
disaster if this big industry should fall into the hands of one so
incapable as Theodore! What a misfortune if Casimir took charge! Neither
side thought that a partnership could be possible, and the two cousins
share alike. Each wanted all for himself.

Both Mme. Bretoneux and Mme. Paindavoine had ignored Perrine since their
arrival. They had given her to understand that they did not require her
services any longer.

She sat in her room hoping that M. Vulfran would send for her so that
she could help him into the church, as she had done every Sunday since
William had gone. But she waited in vain. When the bells, which had
been tolling since the evening before, announced mass, she saw him get
up into his carriage leaning on his brother's arm, while his sister and
sister-in-law, with the members of their families, took their places in
other carriages.

She had no time to lose, for she had to walk. She hurried off.

After she had left the house over which Death had spread its shroud, she
was surprised to notice as she hastened through the village that the
taverns had taken on their Sunday air. The men drank and laughed and the
women chatted at their doors, while the children played in the street.
Perrine wondered if none of them were going to attend the service.

Upon entering the church