Ernest Pérochon

“ The child kept on twisting her skirt.
"Take it, Lalie, take it!—Why, dear, here it is, just waiting for you to take! Come on!"
Lalie burst into sobs.
"There, now," thought Madeleine. "Isn't she shy, though! It is because I don't know what to say to her. What can I say to the poor little thing?" ”

“ He spoke a few words of welcome to her and sat down at the table. He thought her plain, but straightforward and gentle.
"Maybe," he thought, "this one will lend her arms to my house and her heart to my children." ”