"To-night I will write to your father, and withdraw my demand for your hand.

It is the first time that I have ever gone back from my word; and I am sure that your father will be highly indignant." Sabine's strength and firmness had now entirely deserted her.

"From the depth of my soul, sir," said she, "I thank you; for by this act of generosity I shall avoid a contest that I dreaded." "Unfortunately," broke in De Breulh, "you do not see how useless to you will be the sacrifice that you exact from me.

Listen! you have not appeared much in society; and when you did, it was in the character of my betrothed; as soon as I withdraw hosts of aspirants for your hand will spring up." Sabine heaved a deep sigh, for Andre had foreseen the same result.
"Then," continued De Breulh, "your situation will become even a more trying one; for if your noble qualities are not enough to excite admiration in the bosoms of the other sex, your immense wealth will arouse the cupidity of the fortune-hunters." When De Breulh referred to fortune-hunters, was this a side blow at Andre?
With this thought rushing through her brain, she gazed upon him eagerly, but read no meaning in his eyes.
"Yes," answered she dreamily, "it is true that I am very wealthy." "And what will be your reply to the next suitor, and to the one after that ?" asked De Breulh.
"I know not; but I shall find some loophole of escape when the time comes; for if I act in obedience to the dictates of my heart and conscience, I cannot do wrong, for Heaven will come to my aid." The phrase sounded like a dismissal; but De Breulh, man of the world as he was, did not accept it.
"May I permit myself to offer you a word of advice ?" "Do so, sir." "Very well, then; why not permit matters to remain as they now are?
So long as our rupture is not public property, so long will you be left in peace.

It would be the simplest thing in the world to postpone all decisive steps for a twelvemonth, and I would withdraw as soon as you notified me that it was time." Sabine put every confidence in this proposal, believing that everything was in good faith.