She had got ready to see him alone, and had been delighted at the idea, and had been shy and ashamed, and did not know herself what she was doing.

She had heard his steps and voice, and had waited at the door for Mademoiselle Linon to go.

Mademoiselle Linon had gone away.

Without thinking, without asking herself how and what, she had gone up to him, and did as she was doing.

"Let us go to mamma!" she said, taking him by the hand.