pair of perceptive eyes." He leaned down to her, a spreading smile lit up his face. "Perhaps it would be a nice idea to bring you along for my next sketching trip."

Edith breathed a sigh of relief. This was the first time she had seen him smile. When he smiled, he finally looked like a real big kid just like her.

But she put on a solemn look again. "You’ve got to invite me."

The painter went blank for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Mademoiselle, would I have the honour of your guidance in sketching the sunset by the Seine tonight?" He made a pretty ceremonious bow.

"Out of town? Take a carriage to the outs□□?" Edith''s eyes sparkled.

"Look at this room, young lady. How could a struggling artist like me have so much spare money?" The painter gave her a wry smile. "Just in Rouen, this city is also new to me. Won''t you come? "

Edith''s lips drooped in disappointment at first, but her natural optimism soon brought a proud glow back to her cheeks.

"I know Rouen like the back of my hand. Let me show you all around this town!"

--------------

As the sun began to set, Edith complacently walked hand in hand with Andre along the street, always a step ahead of the young man, like a proud little swan.

Groups of workwomen walking in pairs down the road caught sight of this youth dressed in trousers① with inconspicuous patches but with lofty and adorable face, cast bold or shy glances at him, chirping amongst themselves as they passed by.

Edith felt unaccountably annoyed with the young