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280
COLAS BREUGNON

us absorbed in books, which they feel to be a sort of treachery.

"It is St. Martin's own fault," said I," he never comes to see me nowadays, though he has half his cloak to wear, and so I forgot all about him. Out of sight out of mind ! You must keep yourself before people's eyes, you know, my daughter, if you want to be remembered."

"There is no need to tell me that; I don't let folks forget me."

"True enough, you are easy to see and hear as a general thing, but this morning you were as still as a mouse; I miss our usual quarrel, come over here and begin."

She would not even turn her head, but answered, "I have given up, there is no use talking to you!"

I looked at her as she sat stitching away with her mouth obstinately set; she really looked sad, so I began to be sorry that I had got the better of her." Come here, dear, and give me a kiss; I may forget Martin, but never his namesake. Come, I have a present here for you."

"You have some trick up your sleeve."

"No, no, on my word, come and see what I have for you."

"I am too busy."