"Yes, I see that I must abandon the hope of making my fortune with such talents as I have. I have ceased to think of travelling. As to what I shall do--I haven't any clear idea as yet; but still, among my dear friends in Paris, who no longer deign to look at me, there are many whom I have obliged, and who are still my debtors. There is something like twelve thousand francs owing to me, and I propose to try to collect at least half of it; then----" "You will come and settle down near us, won't you, monsieur?" "At all events, Denise, I will come to see you often." "But you won't go to Paris right away; you won't leave us for a long while----" "No, I promise." "Remember that you are in your own house here; we built this cottage with what you gave Coco, so you see that it belongs to you." "No, Denise, this house is the boy's fortune; I am too happy to have been able to contribute to his welfare, and I only regret that I didn't use in this way all the money I have wasted on my pleasures!--Nothing is left to me from my follies; but something always remains of the good that one does!" "Then you have reformed? You won't fall in love any more--with every woman you see, will you?" "Faith, Denise, I wouldn't swear not to as yet. I received a bitter lesson on my fifth floor--and in my travels I turned it to no advantage whatever. Ah! if I had won the love of a sincere, true-hearted, virtuous woman--like you, Denise--perhaps I should have reformed before this!" "What, monsieur!" said Denise, blushing; "do you mean that I don't love you?" "No--you love me like a brother, I know, and your touchingly warm welcome of me, the delight that my return has caused you, show plainly enough your deep affection for me; but, my dear Denise, there is a sweeter, tenderer sentiment which I hoped to inspire in you before you told me that you could never love me. Don't lower your eyes, Denise; I am not reproaching you; we cannot control our hearts, and I admit that I did not deserve yours. I tried to accustom myself to look upon you as a sister; that is what I have been trying to do ever since our interview in your aunt's garden. It will be hard, but with time I shall succeed--perhaps. Let us leave that subject; I am so happy to be with you now!--Well! haven't you anything to say to me, Denise?" "Yes, monsieur, yes! But you must feel the need of rest." "It is true that my journey has tired me; and my story has kept you up late." "Come, monsieur; I'll take you to the little summer-house that I have had built in the garden; it makes the prettiest room in the house. I wish I could give you even better quarters----" "You forget, Denise, that I am no longer the dandy of the Chaussée-d'Antin! Just cast your eye at my costume." "Oh, to me you are always the same, monsieur!" She took Auguste to the summer-house and left him there with a loving: "Until to-morrow;" then she returned to the house and her own room, saying to herself: