"What can that man have to say to father, that takes such a long time? For a young man, he's very talkative. If he doesn't go soon, he'll meet the count. But, after all, it makes no difference to me." At last, about half-past twelve, Monsieur de Raincy took his leave. Madeleine came to inform her young mistress, and she was on the point of going to her father, when the bell rang again. It was Monsieur de la Beriniere. He had come ahead of time, but he was at once ushered into Monsieur Gerbault's study. Madeleine informed Adolphine of his arrival, and received the same orders as before, in case the count should ask permission to pay his respects to her mistress. This second interview was much shorter; Monsieur de la Beriniere went away before one o'clock. Thereupon, Monsieur Gerbault went up to his daughter's room, with a gratified air, and rubbing his hands--a sign of satisfaction common to all nations. Why? No one has ever been able to find out. "Well, father?" murmured Adolphine, in a voice which betrayed some slight emotion; "did both of them come?" "Yes, my dear girl. Oh! they were very prompt; indeed the count was a little ahead of time; that's easily understood: the oldest are always in the greatest hurry." "And what did they say to you? must you keep it secret?" "No, indeed; since you were the sole subject of both interviews." "I?" "Yes; and, frankly, I had some suspicion.--And you?" "I--why---- Oh! I beg you, my dear father, tell me at once what they wanted to say to you?" "Well, my dear, the same motive brought them both; they both came to ask me for your hand." "My hand?"