Sambucco heaved a heavy sigh, and Leon continued: "Alas! Mademoiselle, like you I have sighed many a time at the contemplation of this dire necessity.

You have a niece, the most beautiful and the most adorable of all nieces, and the sight of her charming face gladdens your heart.

But you yearn for something more; you will not be satisfied until you have seen your little grand nephews trotting around.

You will see them I earnestly believe.

But will you see their children?
It is doubtful.