Despite Julien's affectionate and respectful tone, his words contained a sort of rebuke which surprised Madame Thierry.
"Julien," said Madame d'Estrelle earnestly, "the moment to be sincere has arrived. It has arrived sooner than I expected, but it cannot be avoided, and I do not propose to retreat before my destiny. My excellent friend," she cried, throwing her arms about Madame Thierry's neck, "listen to the whole truth. I love Julien. I am bound to him by the most sacred pledges. Embrace and bless your daughter."
"O mon Dieu!" cried Madame Thierry in utter bewilderment, pressing Julie to her heart, "are you married?"
"Surely not, never without your consent," said Julien, embracing his mother in his turn; "but we solemnly promised each other to ask your consent when the time came that
