ather, and, advancing anew to Lenora, seized
and pressed both her hands ardently.

"Oh! look at me, Lenora! Let me see if thy heart has preserved the
memory of our love!"

Lenora's eyes met his at once and with affection. It was a look that
completely revealed her pure and constant soul.

"Oh, happiness!" cried Gustave, enthusiastically; "thou art still my
dear and tender Lenora! Thank God, no power on earth can ever separate
me again from my betrothed! Receive, receive the kiss of our union!"

He stretched his arms toward her. Lenora, trembling with agony and
happiness, stood downcast and blushing, as if awaiting the solemn kiss;
but, before Gustave could accomplish the act, De Vlierbeck was by his
side, and, grasping his hand, held him motionless.

"Monsieur Denecker," said her father, severely, "have the goodness to
moderate your transports. We are certainly glad to see you once more;
but neither you nor I can forget what we are. Respect our poverty!"

"What do you say?" cried Gustave. "_What you are_! You are my
friend,--my father. Lenora is my betrothed! Oh heaven! why look at me so
reproachfully?"

He seized the hand of Lenora again, and, drawing her toward her father,
rapidly continued:--

"Listen! My uncle died in Italy and left me heir of all his property. He
commanded me on his death-bed to marry Lenora. I have searched heaven
and earth to find you. I have suffered for many months all the torture
that a nature like mine can endure; and at length I have discovered you!
I have come, sir, to ask the reward of my suffering. I lay my fortune,
heart, and life at your feet; and, in exchange, I implore the happiness
of leading Lenora to the altar. Grant me that favor, O my _father_!
Grinselhof awaits you. I bought it for you. Every thing is there again.
The portraits of your ancestors are in their places on the wall, and
every thing that was dear to you is restored. Come! let me watch your
old days, your declining years, with the veneration of a son! let me
make you happy again;--oh, how happy!"

The old man's expression did not change, yet a tear moistened his eye.

"Ah!" continued Gustave, "nothing on earth can again separate me from
her,--not even a father's power; for I feel that God himself has given
her to me! Yet pardon me, father, for my rashness, and bestow your
benediction!"

De Vlierbeck seemed to have utterly forgotten the young man and his
transports; for he stood with clasped hands and eyes