ense suffering.

"But," insisted he, "how have you known him, spoken to him? Where? When?
Madame d'Arlange receives no one."

"I ought now to tell you everything, sir," answered Claire proudly.
"I have known him for a long time. It was at the house of one of my
grandmother's friends, who is a cousin of his,--old Mademoiselle Goello,
that I saw him for the first time. There we spoke to each other; there
we meet each other now."

"Ah!" exclaimed M. Daburon, whose eyes were suddenly opened, "I remember
now. A few days before your visit to Mademoiselle Goello, you are gayer
than usual; and, when you return, you are often sad."

"That is because I see how much he is pained by the obstacles he cannot
overcome."

"Is his family, then, so illustrious," asked the magistrate harshly,
"that it disdains alliance with yours?"

"I should have told you everything, without waiting to be questioned,
sir," answered Mademoiselle d'Arlange, "even his name. He is called
Albert de Commarin."

The marchioness at this moment, thinking she had walked enough,
was preparing to return to her rose-coloured boudoir. She therefore
approached the arbour, and exclaimed in her loud voice:--

"Worthy magistrate, piquet awaits you."

Mechanically the magistrate arose, stammering, "I am coming."

Claire held him back. "I have not asked you to keep my secret, sir,"
said she.

"O mademoiselle!" said M. Daburon, wounded by this appearance of doubt.

"I know," resumed Claire, "that I can count upon you; but, come what
will, my tranquillity is gone."

M. Daburon looked at her with an air of surprise; his eyes questioned
her.

"It is certain," continued she, "that what I, a young and inexperienced
girl, have failed to see, has not passed unnoticed by my grandmother.
That she has continued to receive you is a tacit encouragement of your
addresses; which I consider, permit me to say, as very honourable to
myself."

"I have already mentioned, mademoiselle," replied the magistrate, "that
the marchioness has deigned to authorise my hopes."

And briefly he related his interview with Madame d'Arlange, having the
delicacy, however, to omit absolutely the question of money, which had
so strongly influenced the old lady.

"I see very plainly what effect this will have on my peace," said Claire
sadly. "When my grandmother learns that I have not received your homage,
she will be very angry."

"You misjudge me, mademoiselle," interrupted M. Daburon. "