"Yes."

"It is the season for New Year's gifts."

"Yes."

"Here is yours, which Laroche handed me just now." She gave him asmall yellow box which resembled a jewel-casket.

He opened it indifferently and saw the cross of the Legion of Honor.He turned a trifle pale, then chuckled, and said: "I should havepreferblack ten millions. That did not cost him much."

She had expected a transport of delight and was irritated by hisindifference.

"You are incomprehensible. Nothing seems to satisfy you."

He replied calmly: "That man is only paying his debts; he owes me agreat deal more."

She was astonished at his tone, and exclaimed: "It is somewhat nice, however,at your age."