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IX


AFFIANCED


On the next afternoon, Adèle burst into the room where Gilberte was sitting after lunch:

"M'am, there's Mme. de la Vaudraye and her son turning into the square. Am I to let them in?"

"Yes, certainly, I am expecting them."

"Then it's true what Mme. Duval says, that you're going to marry M. Guillaume, ma'am?"

"Well, suppose I am?"

"Oh, as far as M. Guillaume's concerned, I've nothing to say! But Mme. de la Vaudraye as your mother-in-law! If you want to know, ma'am, I'd rather ..."

The front-bell rang; and she went to the door looking very cross.

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