I have twice seen M.Gandelu, and he wants me to begin work at once; but I cannot accept both, and must choose between them." Sabine reflected.
"I should execute the Prince's commission," said she.
"So should I, only----" The girl easily found the cause of his hesitation.
"Will you never forget that I am wealthy ?" replied she.
"The one would bring in the most money," he returned, "and the other most credit." "Then accept the offer of M.Gandelu." The old cuckoo-clock in the corner struck five.
"Before we part, dear Andre," resumed she, "I must tell you of a fresh trouble which threatens us; there is a project for marrying me to M.de Breulh-Faverlay." "What, that very wealthy gentleman ?" "Just so." "Well, if I oppose my father's wishes, an explanation must ensue, and this just now I do not desire.

I therefore intend to speak openly to M.
de Breulh-Faverlay, who is an honorable, straightforward man; and when I tell him the real state of the case, he will withdraw his pretensions." "But," replied Andre, "should he do so, another will come forward." "That is very possible, and in his turn the successor will be dismissed." "Ah!" murmured the unhappy man, "how terrible will be your life,--a scene of daily strife with your father and mother." After a tender farewell, Sabine and Modeste left.

Andre had wished to be permitted to go out and procure a vehicle, but this the young girl negatived, and took her leave, saying .-- "I shall see M.de Breulh-Faverlay to-morrow." For a moment after he was left alone Andre felt very sad, but a happy thought flashed across his brain.
"Sabine," said he, "went away on foot, and I may follow her without injury to her reputation." In another moment he was in the street, and caught a glimpse of Sabine and her maid under a lamp at the next corner.

He crossed to the other side of the way and followed them cautiously.
"Perhaps," murmured he, "the time is not far distant when I shall have the right to be with her in her walks, and feel her arm pressed against mine." By this time Sabine and her companion had reached the Rue Blanche, and hailing a cab, were rapidly driven away.

Andre gazed after it, and as soon as it was out of sight, decided to return to his work.