There are existences that are ever gloomy, lived under ashen skies; but suppose a glorious day, when the sun of heaven glows in the azure air,--such was the May of their love, during which Etienne had suspended all his griefs,--griefs which had passed into the heart of Gabrielle, who, in turn, had fastened all her joys to come on those of her lord.

Etienne had had but one sorrow in his life,--the death of his mother; he was to have but one love--Gabrielle..