"But," the Countess de Morgueil addressed him suddenly, "What would you do, if on the eve of attaining the longed-for happiness, you found yourself suddenly confronted by an insurmountable obstacle." "Everything would depend on the quality of the happiness in prospect, Madame. Some happiness easily abandoned, and some happiness is to be struggled for until death itself." Maurice had guessed the point of this sudden attack. He was none the less surprised by Albert's answer. "Decidedly, it is going to be even more difficult than I feared," he thought. Indeed, Count Albert had evidently assumed a change of attitude. Love and jealousy had transformed this simple and generous heart into a being of metal; he had not lost any of his goodness, but he had put his soul in a state of defence and prepared himself for the struggle. He did not know anything, but his presentiments filled him with anguish. He was not unaware that his austerity provoked irony, but now it seemed to him that the irony was taking a form of pity which enraged him. Dinner was over, the great hall filled with groups gathered together as their tastes dictated. Bridge and poker tables were produced, and some of the young people gathered about a table where liqueurs were being served. Maurice took his uncle by the arm and led him away. "Let us go to your room, for no one must hear what I have to say to you." "Not even your aunt?" "No, uncle, not even aunt." François was astonished, for he had supposed that it was of his own future that Maurice wished to speak. They went towards the Tower of Saint Genevieve. "Uncle, what I have to say to you is very grave." "What a lot of preamble! Well, I am listening." "The Duke de Morlay-La-Branche loves Esperance passionately." "Well, that is a pity for the Duke, but he will console himself easily enough." Maurice was silent before he continued, "Esperance is madly in love with the Duke!" François started violently. "You are raving, Maurice; she is engaged to Count Styvens and has no right to forget him." "She has never been in love with the Count, and can hardly endure him since she has foreseen another future." "What future?" "The Duke wants to marry Esperance." "But it is impossible, impossible," said the philosopher violently. "A word that has been given cannot be taken back so lightly." "Calm yourself, uncle, if you please. For three days I have been wandering about in this untenable situation. We must make a decision. Every instant I fear an outbreak either from Albert or from the Duke." "How have Esperance and the Duke contrived to see each other?"