"The poor woman upon whom I desire to settle this annuity has seen so much trouble during her long life that her character has become embittered, and she feels no confidence in any one. Any promise would seem utterly valueless to her, if the promise was not based upon something tangible; so to convince the poor creature, I want to take her fifteen thousand francs in gold, which will represent very nearly the amount that will have to be expended for the annuity. It is the only way to thoroughly convince the poor creature of my good intentions." "Take any amount you please, of course, my dear Louis. The matter shall be arranged to-morrow." CHAPTER XV. MADAME LACOMBE'S UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER. On leaving the notary's office, Louis hastened to Mariette's home. He found the young girl sewing by the bedside of her godmother, who seemed to be sound asleep. Her lover's extreme pallor, as well as the sad expression of his face, struck the young girl at once, and running toward him, she exclaimed, anxiously: "Oh, Louis, something terrible must have happened, I am sure." "Yes, Mariette. Have you heard of the frightful accident that occurred on the Versailles railroad yesterday?" "Yes, it was horrible. People say there were nobody knows how many victims." "I can hardly doubt that my father was one of the number." Quick as thought, Mariette threw herself, sobbing, on Louis's breast, and for a long time the two stood clasped in a silent embrace. Louis was the first to speak. "Mariette, you know how devotedly I loved my father, so you can judge of my despair," he said, sadly. "It is a terrible blow to you, I know, Louis." "The only consolation I have is your love, Mariette, and I am about to ask a fresh proof of this love." "You have but to speak, Louis." "I want you to marry me at once." "Can you doubt my consent? Is this the proof of love that you asked?" inquired the young girl. Then, after a moment's reflection, she added: "But can we marry before your period of mourning, that only begins to-day, expires?" "I entreat you, Mariette, not to be deterred by that scruple, decent as it appears." "I--I will do whatever you wish." "Listen, Mariette, my heart will be torn with regrets for a long, long time. True mourning is of the soul, and, with me, it will long exceed the period fixed by custom. I know that I honour my father's memory in every fibre of my being, and it is for this very reason that I do not feel it necessary to conform to any purely conventional custom. Believe me, a marriage contracted at so sad a time as this is of a much more solemn and sacred nature than if we married under different circumstances." "You are right, perhaps, Louis; nevertheless, custom--"