And I realize--as you cannot realize--the disgrace of such a fall.

You think you are beloved in Sairmeuse?
You are mistaken.

We have been too fortunate not to be the victims of hatred and jealousy.

If I fall to-morrow, you will see all who kissed your hands to-day fall upon you to tear you to pieces!" His eye glittered; he believed he had found a victorious argument.
"And then you, yourself, will realize the horror of the disgrace.

It will cost you the deadly anguish of a separation from him whom your heart has chosen." He had spoken truly, for Marie-Anne's beautiful eyes filled with tears.
"If what you say proves true, father," she murmured, in an altered voice, "I may, perhaps, die of sorrow; but I cannot fail to realize that my confidence and my love has been misplaced." "And you still insist upon my returning Sairmeuse to its former owner ?" "Honor speaks, my father." M.Lacheneur made the arm-chair in which he was seated tremble by a violent blow of his fist.
"And if I am just as obstinate," he exclaimed--"if I keep the property--what will you do ?" "I shall say to myself, father, that honest poverty is better than stolen wealth.