Andre had cast all reflections regarding the perils of the future to the winds, and only thanked heaven for the happiness that he was experiencing.
"Am I not too happy ?" he would say to himself.

"I fear this cannot last." And he was right.

Anxious to justify his remaining at Mussidan after his task was completed, Andre determined to add to what he had already done a masterpiece of modern art, by carving a garland of fruit and flowers over the old balcony, and every morning he rose with the sun to proceed with his task.
One morning the valet came to him, saying that the old lady was desirous of seeing him, and begged him to lose no time, as the business was urgent.

A presentiment of evil came like a chilly blast upon the young man's heart.

He felt that his brief dream of happiness was at an end, and he followed the valet as a criminal follows his executioner to the scaffold.
As he opened the door in which Sabine's aunt was awaiting him, the old man whispered,-- "Have a care, sir, have a care.