“I beg--I pray you to remain one moment,” cried the young man, reseating her with gentle force upon the sofa. He walked half across the room to repress his agitation; then leaning on a table near the young girl, said: “Mademoiselle Charlotte, you are unhappy; are you not?” “A little, perhaps,” she answered. “I do not mean at this moment, but always?” “Always!” “Aunt de la Roche-Jugan treats you harshly?” “Undoubtedly; she dreads that I may entrap her son. Good heavens!” “The little Tonneliers are jealous of you, and Uncle Tonnelier torments you?” “Basely!” she said; and two tears swam on her eyelashes, then glistened like diamonds on her cheek. “And what do you believe of the religion of our aunt?” “What would you have me believe of religion that bestows no virtue--restrains no vice?” “Then you are a non-believer?” “One may believe in God and the Gospel without believing in the religion of our aunt.” “But she will drive you into a convent. Why, then, do you not enter one?” “I love life,” the girl said. He looked at her silently a moment, then continued “Yes, you love life--the sunlight, the thoughts, the arts, the luxuries--everything that is beautiful, like yourself. Then, Mademoiselle Charlotte, all these are in your hands; why do you not grasp them?” “How?” she queried, surprised and somewhat startled. “If you have, as I believe you have, as much strength of soul as intelligence and beauty, you can escape at once and forever the miserable servitude fate has imposed upon you. Richly endowed as you are, you might become to-morrow a great artiste, independent, feted, rich, adored--the mistress of Paris and of the world!” “And yours also?--No!” said this strange girl. “Pardon, Mademoiselle Charlotte. I did not suspect you of any improper idea, when you offered to share my uncertain fortunes. Render me, I pray you, the same justice at this moment. My moral principles are very lax, it is true, but I am as proud as yourself. I never shall reach my aim by any subterfuge. No; strive to study art. I find you beautiful and seductive, but I am governed by sentiments superior to personal interests. I was profoundly touched by your sympathetic leaning toward me, and have sought to testify my gratitude by friendly counsel. Since, however, you now suspect me of striving to corrupt you for my own ends, I am silent, Mademoiselle, and permit you to depart.” “Pray proceed, Monsieur de Camors.” “You will then listen to me with confidence?” “I will do so.” “Well, then, Mademoiselle, you have seen little of the world, but you have seen enough to judge and to be certain of the value of its esteem. The world! That is your family and mine: Monsieur and Madame Tonnelier, Monsieur and Madame de la Roche-Jugan, and the little Sigismund!”