The most adroit energy could never have put in our way such an obstacle as now threatens us.

Have you in your experience of society ever come across a wealthy heiress who is indifferent to all the allurements of luxury, and is capable of disinterested love ?" The doctor smiled an expressive denial.
"But such an heiress does exist," said Tantaine, "and her name is Sabine de Mussidan.

She loves--and whom do you think ?--why a mere painter, who has crossed my path three times already.

He is full, too, of energy and perseverance, and for these qualities I have never met his equal." "What, a man without friends, money, or position, what can--" A rapid gesture of Tantaine's checked his companion's speech.
"Unfortunately he is not without friends," remarked the genial Tantaine.
"He has one friend at least; can you guess who it is?
No less a personage than the man who was to have married Sabine, M.de Breulh-Faverlay." At this unexpected news Hortebise remained silent and aghast.
"How on earth those two met I cannot imagine.

It must have been Sabine that brought them together, but the facts remain the same.