And before his mother could speak he went on: "I am jealous, it is true, but what happiness is not willing to pay for itself with a little pain? Then, perhaps, she will understand. I love her so much, dear, dear mother." She took the head of the dearly loved son in her hands, and looking deep in his eyes, said fervently--"Dear God! May happiness reward so great a love!" The young Count returned with his mother to the farm where François Darbois and his wife waited for them by agreement. After a quarter of an hour's conversation, Esperance was asked to come to her parents. She was in her room. Her heart beat as if it would break. She had been warned by Maurice of her family's interview with the Countess. Genevieve was with her, extolling the advantages of such a union, at the same time exalting the real goodness of the Count. "Think also of your father, who at last will be able to realize his dream of becoming a member of the Academy. You know as well as I do that he has every chance of being elected, but he will never present himself as long as you are on the stage. You know the straightlaced, old-fashioned ways of that assembly...." "But most of them are poets and dramatic writers," replied Esperance. "Why should my father care to belong to the Academy at all?" As Genevieve rebuked her, her eyes filled with tears. "You see, Genevieve, I am becoming ungrateful. My nature, that I believed so frank and straightforward, seems to get tangled in unexpected twists trying to go the right way. Yes, yes, you are right; I must save myself from myself." Just then the maid came into the room. "Monsieur wants to see Mademoiselle. Madame and Countess Styvens are with him." "Very well; say I will come immediately." Esperance threw her arms around her friend's neck. "If you could only know how I thank you." She went to obey the summons of her parents, resolved and comforted by her friend's words. Her father gave her in a few words the Countess's message. She went forward, very much agitated, her lips trembling, her voice uncertain--"Madame, I thank God for giving me another mother who is so good, so lovable." The Countess drew her to her, and held her in a long embrace. The saintly woman was praying that happiness should descend on this little creature who was to be her daughter. Maurice, the Baron, Jean, Mlle. Frahender and Genevieve were all, during this interview, walking nervously in different directions about the farm Albert was in his mother's room, sitting down, his head in his hands, awaiting the decision which was to settle the joy or sorrow of his life. Maurice entered suddenly. "Come on, cousin," he said, "they are waiting for you." The young man sprang to his full height with complete command of his over-excited nerves. "Ah! Maurice, Maurice...."