k of art, as type and fulfilment at the same time,
and each word spoken, or sung as it fell on my ear in the full force of
its signification, drove back a bolt from my heart. Art and nature
changed before my eyes, the element of water became glorified, in the
fire, in the light of the church tapers as well as that of the house, I
perceived and recognised the whole tenor of the secret of nature. The
nights became too short to enable us to impart to each other all that
arose in our minds. A young abbe, a mild, miracle-believing enthusiast
was often the third in our consultations in the open air or within
doors, and his learning, his knowledge in old legends and histories of
the church gave to all our spiritual movements body and presence, yes,
my friend, this rosy period of my youth was like the wedding festival
of my soul, and griefs not to be named were already preparing in the
midst of this enjoyment, in order to teach me how weak, how frail man
is and remains."

"And this abbe," exclaimed Edmond, who had scarcely heard the last
words, "was he not named Aubigny?"

"Exactly so," replied the pastor with much astonishment, "it seems
indeed that you know all the companions of my youth."

"Through the Counsellor of Parliament," answered Edmond, "who also
likes to recall to his memory the season of his youth. But I pray you
to continue your narrative. I fear that that Lacoste did not wish to be
the fourth in your alliance."

"The unfortunate man," said the priest, "who had already become so
confidential with us, withdrew from us day by day, although he still
continued to visit frequently the paternal dwelling. Notwithstanding
that we had agreed to deal mildly with him, his derision of us excited
our anger, and his coldness refused all our conciliatory endeavours. It
was not predestined, that our days should flow along in peaceful,
undisturbed cheerfulness.

"Among the young girls that visited my friend's house, the next in
loveliness to his bride, was one Euphemie the most delicate and
beautiful apparition that my eyes had ever beheld. She dazzled less
than Lucy, but she was still more refined more etherial. Her mind was
also already abstracted from this world, her wishes were directed to
the cloister, the life of a nun seemed to her most desirable.
Fortunately this inclination coincided with the views of her parents,
who as it so often happens, wished the whole of the fortune to devolve
on the son, so that he might be