prosecuting

attorney at Louviers a complaint against Lanlaire for outrages on morals and an assault on modesty. Ah! that's an idea! "

' ' But, captain, Monsieur has never outraged my morals or assaulted my modesty."

' ' Well, what difference does that make ? ' '

" I cannot."

" What! you cannot? But there is nothing simpler. Lodge your complaint, and summon Rose and me. We will come to declare, to certify in a court of justice, that we have seen everything, everything, everything. A soldier's word amounts to something, especially just now, thunder of God ! And remember that, after that, it will be easy to rake up the case of little Claire, and involve Lan- laire in it. Ah! that's an idea! Think it over. Mademoiselle Celestine; think it over."

Ah I I have many things, much too many things, to think over just now. Joseph is pressing me for a decision; the matter cannot be postponed. He has heard from Cherbourg that the little cafe is to be sold next week. But I am anxious, troubled. I want to, and I don't want to. One day the idea pleases me, and the next it doesn't. I really be- lieve that I am afraid that Joseph wants to drag me into terrible things. I cannot come to a decisjon. He is not brutal in his method of persuasion; he advances arguments, and tempts me with promises