Oh! if you realised, my darling, how I pity you, and what admiration I have for you since I have found you so strong, so brave in keeping silent and in appearing gay when your heart was heavily burdened.

But you will have need of even more firmness; yes, much more, my dear.

This afternoon I have seen the Abbe Cornille, and he gives me no encouragement whatever.

Monseigneur refuses to listen to the subject, so there is no more hope." She expected a flood of fears, and she was astonished to see her daughter reseat herself tranquilly, although she had turned very pale.
The old oaken table had been cleared, and a lamp lighted up this ancient servants' hall, the quiet of which was only disturbed by the humming of the boiler.
"Mother, dear, the end has not yet come.

Tell me everything, I beg of you.