He had been weak enough to hope that the Baron Holbein would at least consider his suit, and give him some chance of showing himself worthy of his daughter's hand.

But this repulse dashed every hope the earth.
As soon as he parted with the young man, the father sent a servant for Nina.

She was not in her chamber--nor in the house.

It was nearly two hours before she came home.

When she entered the presence of her father, he saw, by her countenance, that all was not right with her.
"Who was the youth that came here some hours ago ?" he asked, abruptly.
Nina looked up with a frightened air, but did not answer.
"Did you know that he was coming ?" said the father.
The maiden's eyes drooped to the ground, and her lips remained sealed.
"A base-born peasant! to dare--" "Oh, father! he is not base! His heart is noble," replied Nina, speaking from a sudden impulse.
"He confessed himself the son of a peasant! Who is he ?" "He is the son of Blanche Delebarre," returned Nina, timidly.