"But seriously, my dear Albert, endeavour to come back as soon as you have concluded your letter; or, if that is not possible, promise to give me a few minutes in the morning. I have a thousand things to say to you." "Your highness overwhelms me with kindness," answered the marquis, as, bowing profoundly, he withdrew, leaving Clemence and the prince alone. "Your husband has some heavy care on his mind," observed Rodolph to the marquise; "his smile appeared to me a forced one." "At the moment of your highness's arrival, M. d'Harville was much excited, and he has had great difficulty in concealing his agitation from you." "My visit was, probably, _mal a propos_?" "Oh, no, my lord! You came just in time to spare me the conclusion of a most painful conversation." "Indeed! May I inquire the subject of it?" "I had explained to M. d'Harville the line of conduct I had determined to pursue towards him for the future, assuring him of my future sympathy and affectionate attention to his happiness." "How happy you must have rendered him by such gratifying words!" "He did, indeed, at first, seem most truly happy; and so was I, likewise; for his tears and his joys caused in me a feeling of delight I never before experienced. Once I fancied I did but indulge a just revenge each time I addressed to him a reproach or a sarcasm; but it was a weak and impotent mode of torture, which always recoiled upon myself, as my better judgment pointed out the unworthiness of such conduct; while just now how great was the difference! I had inquired of my husband if he were going out, to which he mournfully replied that he had no intention of so doing, but should pass the evening alone, as he most frequently did. Ah, my lord, could you but have seen his surprise when I offered to be his companion, and how suddenly did the gloomy expression of his features give place to a bright glow of happiness! Ah, you were quite right, there is nothing more really delightful than preparing happy surprises for those around us." "But how could so much kindness on your part have brought about the painful conversation you were alluding to just now?"