"The last time you were here, and while Commander Bernard was again expressing his fervent gratitude to you, M. Olivier begged me to see him the next day on a very important matter, he said. I complied with his request, and the matter was indeed one of grave importance, so grave, in fact, that he asked me to act as his intermediary with you, which I refused to do for reasons I have already explained." "Ah, then the matter has some connection with M. Olivier?" "Yes, and I thought it would be better for him to make his wishes known himself, in my presence, if you have no objection." "And you advise me to grant M. Olivier a hearing, my dear Herminie?" "I do, Ernestine, because whatever happens and whatever your decision may be, you will, I am sure, be both proud and happy to have heard what he has to tell you." "Then I am to see M. Olivier. But when, Herminie?" "To-day, now, if you desire it." "Where is he?" "Out in the garden. Counting upon a visit from you this morning, I said to him: 'Come Friday morning. You will not mind waiting in the garden awhile, and if Ernestine consents to see you, I will send for you.'" "Very well, then, Herminie, have the goodness to send M. Olivier word that I should be pleased to see him." A moment afterwards M. Olivier Raymond was ushered into the room by Madame Moufflon, the concierge. "M. Olivier," said Herminie, "Ernestine is ready to listen to you. You know my friendship for her. You know, too, how highly I esteem you, so I trust my presence will prove no restraint." "I particularly desire your presence, Mlle. Herminie, as I shall, perhaps, find it necessary to appeal to your memory in support of some of my statements," replied Olivier. Then, turning to Mlle. de Beaumesnil, he continued, without making any attempt to conceal his emotion: "Mademoiselle, permit me to say, first of all, that I must have perfect confidence in the rectitude of my intentions to venture upon the rather peculiar step I am about to take." "I am certain, in advance, M. Olivier, that this step is worthy of you, of me, and of the friend that is listening to us." "I think so, too, mademoiselle, so I am going to speak to you in all sincerity, for you may recollect that once before you expressed yourself as grateful to me for my frankness." "I was certainly deeply touched by it, as Herminie will tell you, M. Olivier." "Mlle. Herminie can also testify to the deep interest you inspired in my heart, mademoiselle, I will not say from the time of the charity dance," added Olivier, with a faint smile, "but rather from the time of the conversation I had with you that evening."