"It would be an outrage on my father.
It is not so long since my mother uttered her last words that I have forgotten them.

My father is incapable of robbing his children," she continued, giving way to tears of distress.

"You misunderstand him, Monsieur Pierquin." "But, my dear cousin, if your father gets back to chemistry--" "We are ruined; is that what you mean ?" "Yes, utterly ruined.

Believe me, Marguerite," he said, taking her hand which he placed upon his heart, "I should fail of my duty if I did not persist in this matter.

Your interests alone--" "Monsieur," said Marguerite, coldly withdrawing her hand, "the true interests of my family require me not to marry.