Della burst into tears. "General Delville, I knew I could not be mistaken in your noble nature." "Pardon an old man's curiosity, my child," said he, dropping at once into the relationship Della had chosen for them; "but may I ask if a younger suitor influences you in this matter?" Della blushed very deeply, but answered, frankly, through her tears, in the affirmative. "You are sure you have chosen one worthy of such a heart as yours?" "I think so, most truly." "And his circumstances and station befit your own?" "In point of wealth and station he is undoubtedly beneath me; but in nature, in heart, I am certain he is all I could wish." "And, knowing this, how could your father sanction my suit?" "He knew nothing of these circumstances, sir. I have, from necessity, kept it a secret from him. May I trust you to do the same?" "You may, indeed. I would not sanction duplicity between father and child; but neither would I have you sacrifice your happiness to a father's pride. In early youth, had she, who won my first affections, been as true to me, through such a test, as you have been to him you love through this, I would, probably, have never occupied the position of an old and disappointed suitor before you here." "I would gladly reveal all to my parents, but that I know and dread the consequences. And when they learn the course I have this day pursued with you, the storm will perhaps be no less fierce." "Fear nothing, Della; from this hour I am your sincere and devoted champion, in all causes wherein I believe you to be _right_. The confidence you have placed in me shall never be betrayed. Your father I will gradually turn aside from the ideas he has cherished with regard to you and myself. It is all better, no doubt, as it is; this, I must admit, however lonely my heart may throb in saying it. I had hoped to be happy in holding you to that heart, as one of its own rightful treasures. I will now strive to make myself happy in seeing her so I could not win. Whenever you want a friend, my child--one faithful and sincere, and uninfluenced by selfish motives--you will ever find one in the old man who has dared to love you, and whom you have this day rejected." Della placed both hands in General Delville's, and looked up earnestly and trustfully into his noble face. "Believe me, I always will." "And I may continue to be a welcome visitor here?" "Always, always." "Enough, Della. Farewell." "Adieu, _mon ami_!" The General's tall figure passed into the lofty hall, and Della heard the door close behind him. She hurried to a window, and watched him as he descended the steps and entered his carriage, then, with a feeling of reverential affection for that proud spirit and noble heart which an hour before she had scarcely expected to feel, she passed out of the parlor on her way to her own room. Traces of tears were still upon her cheeks, and her whole face still bore evidence of recent agitation.