Eugene has completely won me over. He came in to-day and appeared as glad to see us, as if we had not met for a week. He sat down by me in the most artless manner; and taking a skein of silk from Franky, who was getting it into a sad snarl, said he had a favor to ask of me; and if I would grant it he should be very happy. He looked at me so earnestly, that I told him with a smile, I thought I might venture to promise, if it were nothing very unreasonable. For a moment he cast his eyes down; and then said with perfect _naiveté_, "I thought of it last night after the conversation here, about my not remembering my mother; and this morning I told father, and he approves it very much if you are willing." "You forget," said I, "that you have not yet asked the favor." "Well," he resumed, repressing a sigh, "You know I have never since my remembrance had a mother. I need one sadly, to tell me when I do wrong. Oh!" he added, with great emotion, laying the silk on his knee, "I have so longed for a mother, or sister who would watch over me, and take an interest in me, as I have seen mothers and sisters in their sons and brothers." I was very much affected by this natural outburst of feeling, and said, "I will, my son." Hardly conscious of what I did, I leaned forward, and kissed his pure, white brow. He grasped my hand, and kneeling, covered it with kisses, while he thanked me in the warmest terms. Pauline and Nelly looked on with great interest. "Remember," said the former, as she held out her hand to him, while her eyes were filled with tears, "you have now two sisters and a brother." He was then in a great hurry to go and report his success to his father, who he said would be very much pleased. _Tuesday, January 7th._ Eugene came over for a few moments last evening to thank me in behalf of his father, and to ask if the Doctor would call upon him in the morning, as there had been some change in his symptoms. Frank offered to go at once; but the young man did not wish it. He went this morning, however, and prescribed a change of medicine. Colonel Clifford confessed that he had at first been somewhat disappointed in finding that he was not a clergyman; but now considered it a very kind providence which had brought a physician almost to the very door. He added that now the only anxiety he had had in remaining in Nice was obviated. The Doctor remained and read to him for an hour. When he left, the Colonel renewed his thanks for our kindness to his dear boy. CHAPTER XXXIV. "A Mother's love--how sweet the name! What _is_ a mother's love? A noble, pure, and tender flame, Enkindled from above, To bless a heart of earthly mould The warmest love that _can_ grow cold; This is a mother's love." MONTGOMERY. "A malady Preys on my heart, that medicine cannot reach, Invincible and cureless." MATURIN. _Wednesday, January 29th._