It was Sabine, pallid and cold as a marble statue.
"I have heard everything, Andre," murmured she.
"Yes," stammered he.

"All is over, and I am dismissed." "Where are you going to ?" "Heaven only knows, and when once I leave this place I care not." "Do not be desperate," urged Sabine, laying her hand upon his arm.
His fixed glance terrified her as he muttered,-- "I cannot help it; I am driven to despair." Never had Sabine appeared so lovely; her eyes gleamed with some generous impulse, and her face glowed.
"Suppose," said she, "I could give you a ray of future hope, what would you do then ?" "What would I _not_ do then?
All that a man could.

I would fight my way through all opposition.

Give me the hardest task, and I will fulfil it.
If money is wanted, I will gain it; if a name, I will win it." "There is one thing that you have forgotten, and that is patience." "And that, Mademoiselle, I possess also.

Do you not understand that with one word of hope from you I can live on ?" Sabine raised her head heavenwards.