ed, 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. He had now no anxieties regarding the
future, and he thanked Providence for having caused him to meet Diana
de Laurebourg. It never entered his brain that this apparently frank and
open-hearted girl had materially furthered the acts of Providence. At
supper that night he was so gay, and in such excellent spirits, that
even his father's attention was at last attracted.

"I would lay a wager, my boy," remarked the Duke, "that you have had a
good day's sport."

"You would win your wager," answered the young man boldly.

His father did not pursue the subject; but as Norbert felt that he must
give some color to his assertion, he stopped the next day, and purchased
some quails and a hare. He waited fully half an hour for Diana; and when
she did appear, her pale face and the dark marks under her eyes showed
that anxiety had caused her to pass a sleepless night.

No sooner had she parted from Norbert than she saw the risk that she was
running by her imprudent conduct. She was endangering her whole future
and her reputation,--all indeed that is most precious to a young girl.
For an instant the thought of confiding all to her parents entered her
brain; bu