You would not have scorned me when I was young--oh, how young I was! how strong and vain of my youth, thirty years ago!" "Indeed, indeed, no such thought ever crossed my mind.

I give you all I have," cried Corona, in great distress; "I will give you more--I will devote my whole life to you--" "You do, my dear.

I am sensible of it," said Astrardente, quietly.

"You cannot do more, if you will; you cannot make me young again, nor take away the bitterness of death--of a death that leaves you behind." Corona leaned forward, staring into the dying embers of the fire, one hand supporting her chin.

The tears stood in her eyes and on her cheeks.
The old dandy in his genuine misery had excited her compassion.
"I would mourn you long," she said.