Diana felt herself swept away by this stream of passion; she gasped, and her fingers trembled, as she found that she was trapped in the same snare that she had set for another.

Her reason warned her that she must bring this dangerous interview to a conclusion.
"I am forgetting all about my poor pensioners," said she.
"Ah, if I might but accompany you!" "And so you may, but you must walk fast." It is quite true that great events spring from very trivial sources; and had Diana gone to visit La Besson, Norbert might have heard something concerning Daumon that would have put him on his guard; but, unfortunately, to-day Diana was bound on a visit to an old woman in another part of the parish.
Norbert looked on whilst this fair young creature busied herself in her work of charity, and then he silently placed two louis from the money he had borrowed, on the table, and left the cottage.

Diana followed him, and, laying her finger upon her lips with the significant word "to-morrow," turned down the path that led to her father's house.
Norbert could hardly believe his senses when he found himself again alone.

Yes, this lovely girl had almost confessed her affection for him, and he was ready to pour out his life blood for her.

He tore up the letter which had cost him so much trouble to compose, for he felt that he could make no use of it.