We must all string our nerves now, dearest: we must all be brave now.

We used to praise you for your courage; now is the time for you to show it." "Oh, Charles! oh, my poor stricken love!" and then she raised her face and gazed into his, till the tears made her eyes so dim that she could hardly see him.

"I knew it would come at last," she said; "I knew this fearful blow would come at last.

Oh, that we had gone when others went! at any rate I should not have lived to see you thus." "Do no say that, Victorine; do not speak so--do not allow yourself to think so--or you will rob both of us of our dearest comfort.

No, my love; were it to do again, I again would stand by the throne, and you again would counsel me to do so.