"Having gone thus far I must go further.

Humble as I am, obscure though I be, I have dared to raise my eyes to heaven--to you, mademoiselle.

In my boyhood days you honored me with your friendship, your companionship.

I have made something of myself.

If mademoiselle would only deign to---- It is impossible that she should love me--it would be an ineffable condescension--but is there not some merit in the thought that the last survivors of the two lines should unite to----" "Impossible!" cried the Countess, her face flushing.