de Lorcy had pleased him immensely; he saw in it the proof that she had ceased to struggle against the inevitable--against Samuel Brohl and destiny; that she had resolved to bear her disappointment with a cheerful countenance.

He formed the generous resolution to console her for her vexation; to gain her good-will by force of modesty and graceful attentions.
Alone in his compartment of the cars, Samuel Brohl was happy, perfectly happy.

He was nearing port; he held it for an established fact that, before a fortnight, the banns would be published.

Was he alone in his compartment?
An adored image kept him company; he spoke to it, it replied to him.

Blended with a rather uncommon frigidity of soul, Samuel Brohl had an imagination that readily took fire, and, when his imagination was kindled, he felt within him something warm, which he took for a heart, and sincerely persuaded himself that he had such an organ.