In a few days, in a few hours perhaps, you will be the head of this household.

Be economical.
Should you find yourself opposed to the wishes of your father,--and it may so happen, because he has spent vast sums in searching for a secret whose discovery is to bring glory and wealth to his family, and he will no doubt need money, perhaps he may demand it of you,--should that time come, treat him with the tenderness of a daughter, strive to reconcile the interests of which you will be the sole protector with the duty which you owe to a father, to a great man who sacrificed his happiness and his life to the glory of his family; he can only do wrong in act, his intentions are noble, his heart is full of love; you will see him once more kind and affectionate--YOU! Marguerite, it is my duty to say these words to you on the borders of the grave.

If you wish to soften the anguish of my death, promise me, my child, to take my place beside your father; to cause him no grief; never to reproach him; never to condemn him.

Be a gentle, considerate guardian of the home until--his work accomplished--he is again the master of his family." "I understand you, dear mother," said Marguerite, kissing the swollen eyelids of the dying woman.

"I will do as you wish." "Do not marry, my darling, until Gabriel can succeed you in the management of the property and the household.