My pride led me formerly into the error
of disposing of my sister's hand to one whom she did not love, merely
because in rank he was her equal. I will not again commit such an error,
nor would Beatrice again obey me if I sought to constrain her. Where she
marries, there she will love. If, indeed, she accepts you, as I believe
she will, it will be from affection solely. If she does, I cannot
scruple to accept this loan,--a loan from a brother-inlaw--loan to me,
and not charged against her fortune! That, sir," turning to Levy, with
his grand air, "you will take care to arrange. If she do not accept you,
Mr. Hazeldean, the loan, I repeat, is not to be thought of. Pardon me,
if I leave you. This, one way or other, must be decided at once." The
count inclined his head with much stateliness, and then quitted the
room. His step was heard ascending the stairs.

"If," said Levy, in the tone of a mere man of business--"if the count
pay the debts, and the lady's fortune be only charged with your own,
after all, it will not be a bad marriage in the world's eye, nor ought
it to be in a father's. Trust me, we shall get Mr. Hazeldean's consent,
and cheerfully too."

Frank did not listen; he could only listen to his love, to his heart
beating loud with hope and with fear.

Levy sat down before the table, and drew up a long list of figures in a
very neat hand,--a list of figures on two accounts, which the post-obit
on the Casino was destined to efface.

After a lapse of time, which to Frank seemed interminable, the count
re-appeared. He took Frank aside, with a gesture to Levy, who rose, and
retired into the drawing-room.

"My dear young friend," said Peschiera, "as I suspected, my sister's
heart is wholly yours. Stop; hear me out. But, unluckily, I informed her
of your generous proposal; it was most unguarded, most ill-judged in me,
and that has well-nigh spoiled all; she has so much pride and spirit;
so great a fear that you may think yourself betrayed into an imprudence
which you may hereafter regret, that I am sure she will tell you that
she does not love you, she cannot accept you, and so forth. Lovers like
you are not easily deceived. Don't go by her words; but you shall see
her yourself and judge. Come."

Followed mechanically by Frank, the count ascended the stairs, and threw
open the door of Beatrice's room. The marchesa's back was turned; but
Frank could see that she was weeping.

"I have brought my friend to plead fo