ck. I was on my way just now when I met
her on the stair. I desire to say, mother--"

She broke in: "It is useless to discuss this absurd business. It is
over. I have said so to the young woman. That ends it. Now kiss me. I
wish to go to bed."

"No," he said; "this does not end it."

"Indeed, we shall see--a quite ordinary Quaker girl and a designing
mother. It is all clear enough. Neither of you with any means, not a
louis of dot--a nice wife to take home. Oh, I have expressed myself
fully, and it was needed. She presumed to contradict me. _Ciel!_ I had
to be plain."

"So it seems; but as I count for something, I beg leave to say,
_maman_, that I mean to marry Margaret Swanwick."

"You, the Vicomte de Courval!"

He laughed bitterly. "What are titles here, or in France, to-day? There
are a dozen starving nobles in this city, exiles and homeless. As to
money, I have charge of Mr. Schmidt's affairs, and shall have. I am not
without business capacity."

"Business!" she exclaimed.

"Well, no matter, mother. I pray you to be reasonable, and to remember
what these people have done for us: in health no end of kindness; in
sickness--mother, I owe to them my life."

"They were paid, I presume."

"_Mon Dieu_, mother! how can you say such things? It is incredible."

"Rene, do you really mean to disobey me?"

"I hope not to have to do so."

"If you persist, you will have to. I shall never consent, never."

"Then, mother,--and you force me to say it,--whether you agree to it or
not, I marry Margaret. You were hard to her and cruel."

"No; I was only just and wise."

"I do not see it; but rest assured that neither man nor woman shall part
us. Oh, I have too much of you in me to be controlled in a matter where
both love and honor are concerned."

"Then you mean to make this _mesalliance_ against my will."

"I mean, and that soon, to marry the woman I think worthy of any man's
love and respect."

"She is as bad as you--two obstinate fools! I am sorry for your
children."

"Mother!"

"Well, and what now?"

"It is useless to resist. It will do no good. It only hurts me. Did your
people want you to marry Jean de Courval, my father?"

"No."

"You did. Was it a _mesalliance?_"

"They said so."

"You set me a good example. I shall do as you did, if, after this, her
pride does not come in the way."

"Her pride, indeed! Will it be to-morrow, the marriage?"

"Ah, dear mother, why will you hurt me so?"

"I