“Oh! I believe you, sir, and I implicitly confide in you,” said Marguerite, as if overwhelmed by the contending feelings of confidence and mistrust which she had till then labored under. “For what advantage could you derive from endeavoring to deceive me? What interest could you have to betray me?” “None, undoubtedly; but let us talk of other matters. What line of conduct do you intend to pursue with regard to the Baron de Lectoure?” “I will tell him all!” “Oh!” cried Paul, bowing profoundly, “allow me to adore you.” “Sir!” murmured Marguerite, “sir!” “As a sister! as a sister!” “Yes, you are indeed kind and good,” cried Marguerite, “and I believe it is God who sent you to my aid.” “Believe it,” replied Paul. “Then--to-morrow evening.” “Do not be astonished, nor alarmed at anything that may occur, only contrive to let me know by letter, by a word, a sign, the result of your interview with Lectoure!” “I will endeavor to do so.” “It is now late, and your servant may be surprised at the length of this interview. Return to the castle, and say not a word of me to any one. Farewell!” “Farewell,” reiterated Marguerite; “you to whom I know not what name to give.” “Call me your brother.” “Farewell, then, brother.” “Oh, my sister! my sister!” cried Paul, clasping her convulsively in his arms, “your lips are the first from which I have heard so sweet a word. God will reward you for it.” The young girl drew back amazed; and then returning to Paul, she held out her hand to him. Paul again pressed it, and Marguerite left the cottage. The young man then went to the door of the inner room, and opened it. “And now, good old man,” said he, “conduct me to my father’s grave.” CHAPTER XI.--THE COURTIER. Hamlet.--Dost thou know this water-fly? Horatio.--No, my good lord. Hamlet.--Thy state is the more gracious; for ‘tis a vice to know him. SHAKESPEARE. Here on my knees by heaven’s blest nower I swear, If you persist, I ne’er henceforth will see you; But rather wander through the world a beggar, And live on sordid scraps at poor men’s doors. For, though to fortune lost, I’ll still inherit My mother’s virtues and my father’s honor.--Otway.