Martine was to have entire control of this last purse; and they might trust to her economy, they were sure that she would save the centimes.

She was very warm, for an August sun was blazing in the sky, and she laid aside her things quickly, pleased with her walk, telling him, laughing, of the good bargain Martine had madetwo pigeons for eighteen sous.

Then, yielding to a desire to show herself, hearing the servant moving about outside, she ran out, crying: "Martine, Martine!

Then, yielding to a desire to show herself, hearing the servant moving about outside, she ran out, crying: "Martine, Martine!

" Martine, who had not yet opened her lips, but who looked terrible in her silence, could not restrain a cry.

Martine, meantime, cherished another project; it was to urge the doctor to resume his practise.

Martine can go again.

She asked Martine why we did not go to her, if we were in want.

It was eight o'clock, and Martine, who was waiting for them, comprehended that she would have no cooking to do this evening.

Even Martine had at last said that he ought to be slaughtered, if only through pity.

And it was a wonderful feast, which reminded them of the delicious breakfast they had made on the morning on which Martine had obstinately shut herself up in her room, and refused to answer them.

Martine obtained on credit bread, wine, and a little meat, much to her shame, be it said, forced as she was to maneuver and tell lies, for no one was ignorant of the ruin that had overtaken the house.

Then with a calm and resolute air, she went out after breakfast with Martine, after quietly putting into the basket of the latter a little packagesome articles of dress which she was giving her, she said.

Consoled now, and joyous, she told him of her escapadehow she had taken Martine into her confidence, and how both had gone to the dealer who had sold him the corsage of point d'Alencon, and how after interminable examining and bargaining the woman had given six thousand francs for all the jewels.

" She laughed now, and, running to her desk, wrote in red pencil across her brother's letter two words"I refuse;" then she called Martine and insisted upon her taking the letter back at once.

He kept constant watch upon the press, pretending to have observed Martine prowling about it.

When we are too poor, master shall send away Martine and keep me as his servant.

At six o'clock Martine, fancying she heard her master knocking for her on the floor of his room, went upstairs.

I would rather die, die now" He recognized Martine, and abandoning himself to his grief, his strength totally gone, he made his confession to her: "My poor girl, I suffer too much, my heart is breaking.

" At these words he got up hastily, staggering still, and, leaning for support on the back of a chair, he cried: "I positively forbid you to do so, Martine!"

" Martine's eyes, too, filled with tears.

I was just telling you so, Martine, was I not?" The servant confirmed his words by an affirmative nod.

"Martine, you must not let him eat like a poor man.

"Will you embrace me, Martine?" "Oh, mademoiselle, very gladly.

Martine and Michel.