But
let us be quick, for one of the gentlemen was Doctor Potain."
"Were there two men," asked Jean.
"Yes, two."
And she started off again at a great pace.
Jean was dolefully perplexed.
When they arrived at the farm they were quite breathless from their
long ride. The philosopher was waiting for them at the door.
"Esperance, my dear," he said, "Doctor Potain is here with the Duke de
Morlay-La-Branche. Your mother met them at the Palais, just as they
had landed from the boat and were looking for a carriage."
"Very well, father, I must change my things and I will be with you as
quickly as possible."
Jean Perliez understood the emotion of his dear little comrade. She
seemed to him at once terrified and fascinated. Maurice was presented
to the Duke, who immediately began to make himself agreeable. He was
quite anxious he said to see the portrait of which M. Darbois had
spoken, so Maurice led him up the hill side. The portrait was on an
easel, and from a distance the Duke almost thought that he was seeing
the real Esperance, the little girl who was troubling his life. He was
delighted with the freshness of the colouring, and the perfection of
the likeness, so necessary when the model is so beautiful.
Maurice was pleased by the appreciation of such a skilled dilettante,
the praise was evidently sincere. He was very much taken with the
Duke, who predicted a glorious future for him.
Jean waited at the foot of the staircase leading to the girl's rooms,
and watched them descend.
Pages:
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127