ilian, my friend, my brother on earth, my true husband
in heaven, I entreat you, do as I do, live in suffering; perhaps we may
one day be united."

"Adieu, Valentine," repeated Morrel.

"My God," said Valentine, raising both her hands to heaven with a
sublime expression, "I have done my utmost to remain a submissive
daughter; I have begged, entreated, implored; he has regarded neither
my prayers, my entreaties, nor my tears. It is done," cried she, willing
away her tears, and resuming her firmness, "I am resolved not to die of
remorse, but rather of shame. Live, Maximilian, and I will be yours. Say
when shall it be? Speak, command, I will obey." Morrel, who had already
gone some few steps away, again returned, and pale with joy extended
both hands towards Valentine through the opening. "Valentine," said he,
"dear Valentine, you must not speak thus--rather let me die. Why
should I obtain you by violence, if our love is mutual? Is it from mere
humanity you bid me live? I would then rather die."

"Truly," murmured Valentine, "who on this earth cares for me, if he does
not? Who has consoled me in my sorrow but he? On whom do my hopes rest?
On whom does my bleeding heart repose? On him, on him, always on him!
Yes, you are right, Maximilian, I will follow you. I will leave the
paternal home, I will give up all. Oh, ungrateful girl that I am," cried
Valentine, sobbing, "I will give up all, even my dear old grandfather,
whom I had nearly forgotten."

"No," said Maximilian, "you shall not leave him. M. Noirtier has
evinced, you say, a kind feeling towards me. Well, before you leave,
tell him all; his consent would be your justification in God's sight. As
soon as we are married, he shall come and live with us, instead of one
child, he shall have two. You have told me how you talk to him and
how he answers you; I shall very soon learn that language by signs,
Valentine, and I promise you solemnly, that instead of despair, it is
happiness that awaits us."

"Oh, see, Maximilian, see the power you have over me, you almost make
me believe you; and yet, what you tell me is madness, for my father will
curse me--he is inflexible--he will never pardon me. Now listen to me,
Maximilian; if by artifice, by entreaty, by accident--in short, if by
any means I can delay this marriage, will you wait?"

"Yes, I promise you, as faithfully as you have promised me that this
horrible marriage shall not take place, and that if you are dragged
bef