Keep that full face eye."
They left the Museum, animated by different feelings. The more that
Maurice discovered his cousin's noble qualities, the delicacy of her
feelings, the strength of her loyalty, the more he felt of protective
affection for this child who was so pure, so free, and who had made
her entry so bravely into the whirlpool where things are generally
turbulent, and most brutal in the brutal side of Parisian life. The
admiration of his twenty years, for Esperance's alluring beauty, was
purified into a friendship which he felt growing deeper and stronger.
As to Jean Perliez, he had become more and more resigned that his love
should remain forever in the shade, unlimited devotion for all time,
all his being offered in sacrifice to the frail idol, who went her way
star-gazing, unsuspecting all the time that she was trampling upon
hearts under her foot.
CHAPTER XI
M. and Madame Darbois had received the telegram announcing the return
of their daughter, and were at the station to meet her. Esperance saw
them and would have jumped out before the train had fully slopped.
Maurice held her just in time.
"No foolishness there, little cousin. Your bodyguards must return you
intact to your family's four arms. One more moment of patience. What a
hurry you are in to be rid of us."
She held out her little hands to the two young men. "Oh, naughty
Maurice! You know very well that I shall never forget these three days
we have passed together, when you have been so good to me and taught
me so very much.
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