There was the sound of approaching voices. It was Robert, surrounded by

a troop of children, searching for them. The two little Pontelliers were

with him, and he carried Madame Ratignolle's little girl in his arms.

There were other children beside, and two nurse-maids followed, looking

disagreeable and resigned.

The women at once rose and began to shake out their draperies and relax

their muscles. Mrs. Pontellier threw the cushions and rug into the

bath-house. The children all scampered off to the awning, and they stood

there in a line, gazing upon the intruding lovers, still exchanging

their vows and sighs. The lovers got up, with only a silent protest, and

walked slowly away somewhere else.

The children possessed themselves of the tent, and Mrs. Pontellier went

over to join them.

Madame Ratignolle begged Robert to accompany her to the house; she

complained of cramp in her limbs and stiffness of the joints. She leaned

draggingly upon his arm as they walked.




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