She grasped his hand tenderly, and, fixing her gaze intently on his, said, in beseeching tones,-- "Oh, father! let not the happy smile that just now lighted your features depart from them again! Believe me, we shall still be happy.

Fancy yourself in the position that awaits us: and what do you see in it so frightful?
I have skill to do all that woman can do; and then your instructions have made me able to instruct others in the arts and sciences you have taught me.

I shall be strong and active enough for both of us, and God will bless my labor.

Behold us, father, peacefully at home, with tranquil hearts and always together in our neat apartment: we will love one another, set misfortune at defiance, and live together in the heaven that our common sacrifice has made! Oh, it seems to me, father, that the true happiness of our lives is only beginning! How can you still give yourself up to despair when pleasure is in store for us,--a pleasure such as few upon earth are permitted to enjoy ?" Monsieur De Vlierbeck looked at his daughter with rapture.

Those enthusiastic but gentle tones had so touched his heart, that noble courage had inspired him with so much admiration, that tears of joy filled his eyes.