So, to cover his sudden pause, he said: "So you really enjoy yourself here in the country, you say? You have but to express a wish, you know, my dearest. The sea air has been recommended for you, it is true, but the coasts of France are extensive and there is abundant room for choice, and if you prefer any other place--" "No, father, this place suits me perfectly. The surroundings are delightful, and I feel so much at home here that it would be ungrateful in me to leave the place unless you desire it." "You know very well that I only desire what you desire." "That sounds very fine, father." "What do you mean, my child?" "I mean that your actions do not always correspond with your words." "What actions?" "You say that you only desire what I desire. Yet how often I have begged you to give up the journeys that keep you away from me so much of the time." "That is different. It is really for your sake, my darling child. I have my reasons." "Yes, I know, my poor, dear father. It is to enrich me that you devote so much time to your business. But what is the use of so much money? But you have told me nothing about yourself! What kind of a trip did you have this time?" "A remarkably successful one." "The roads were better this time, then, and you did not take cold? I am so glad, we had so many snow-storms last month. I used to say to Suzanne again and again while we were sitting by the fire warm and comfortable, 'I am afraid my poor dear father is shivering with cold and making only a couple of miles an hour on account of the snow.'" "Don't worry any more, my dear child. The trip is over now, and it was not only less fatiguing than usual, but unusually profitable." "Is that really so? Then why was your return so long delayed, father?" "A complication of business interests, that is all." "If you knew how uneasy I always am during your absence! It is foolish, I know, but I shall be spared all these fears hereafter, for you intend to keep your promise, do you not?" "What promise?" "Not to travel, or, rather, not to leave me any more." "I promised you on condition that no unforeseen circumstance--" "No excuses, now. You will remain with me?" "Always." "Will you swear it?" "By a father's love." "Ah, I know what happiness is now," cried Sabine, throwing herself on her father's neck, "and yet, I have no words to tell you how happy I am, so, to reward you--" "Well," said Cloarek, smiling, but deeply moved by the touching expression of his daughter's features, "so, to reward me--" "I am going to ask a favour of you, as you are always reproaching me for never asking for anything." "You could not please me more, my dear child. Well, let me hear what it is. What have you to ask of me?" "Your protection and aid." "For whom?" "For a person who is worthy of it, and of whom Suzanne, too, intends to speak to you. But you see how jealous I am, I wish to be the first to recommend my protégé." "The protégé of both of you, then?"