“Not yet, Raoul; I would speak with you first a few words. This Mademoiselle Melanie is very pretty, is she not?” “She is the most beautiful lady I have ever seen,” replied the youth, not without some embarrassment. “And as amiable and gentle as she is beautiful?” “Oh, yes, indeed, sir. She is all gentleness and sweetness, yet is full of mirth, too, and graceful merriment.” “In one word, then, she seems to you a very sweet and lovely creature.” “Doubtless she does, my father.” “And I beseech you tell me, viscount, in what light do you appear in the eyes of this very admirable young lady?” “Oh, sir!” replied the youth, now very much embarrassed, and blushing actually from shame. “Nay, Raoul, I did not ask the question lightly, I assure you, or in the least degree as a jest. It becomes very important that I should know on what terms you and this fair lady stand together. You have been visiting her now almost daily, I think, during these three months last past. Do you conceive that you are very disagreeable to her?” “Oh! I hope not, sir. It would grieve me much if I thought so!” “Well, I am to understand, then, that you think she is not blind to your merits, sir?” “I am not aware, my dear father, that I have any merits which she should be called to observe.” “Oh, yes, viscount! That is an excess of modesty which touches a little, I am afraid, on hypocrisy. You are not altogether without merits. You are young, not ill-looking, nobly born, and will, in God’s good time, be rich. Then you can ride well, and dance gracefully, and are not generally ill-educated or unpolished. It is quite as necessary, my dear son, that a young man should not undervalue himself, as that he should not think of his deserts too highly. Now, that you have some merits, is certain--for the rest, I desire frankness of you just now, and beg that you will speak out plainly. I think you love this young girl: is it not so, Raoul?” “I do love her sir, very dearly--with my whole heart and spirit!” “And do you feel sure that this is not a mere transient liking--that it will last, Raoul?” “So long as life lasts in my heart, so long will my love for her last, my father!” “And you would wish to marry her?” “Beyond all things in this world, my dear father.” “And do you think that, were her tastes and views on the subject consulted, she would say likewise?” “I hope she would, sir. But I have never asked her.” “And her father--is he gracious when you meet him?” “Most gracious, sir, and most kind; indeed, he distinguishes me above all the other young gentlemen who visit there.” “You would not, then, despair of obtaining his consent.” “By no means, my father, if you would be so kind as to ask it.” “And you desire that I should do so?” “You will make me the happiest man in all France, if you will!”