"He has plenty of experience." "He would betray us; he would do anything for money." "That is all the better for us then; for if we promise him a handsome sum, he will not say a word of what has passed to-day." "Do as you think best, Norbert." Having thus gained Diana's assent, the young man turned to Daumon.

"I put every faith in you, and so does Mademoiselle de Laurebourg.

You know our exact situation.

What do you advise ?" "Wait and hope," answered the Counsellor.

"The slightest step taken before you are of age will be fatal to your prospects, but the day you are twenty-one I will undertake to show you several methods of bringing the Duke on his knees." Nothing could make this speech more explicit; but he was so cheerful and confident, that when Diana left the office, she felt a fountain of fresh hope well up in her heart.
This was nearly their last interview that year, for the winter came on rapidly and with increased severity, so that it was impossible for the lovers to meet out of doors, and the fear of spying eyes prevented them from taking advantage of Daumon's hospitality.