"It was because, when you entered, my dear sister, I was thinking of you, and, moreover, I was under the influence of an excellent resolution." "That does not surprise me." "What took place yesterday,--your extreme generosity, the prince's noble conduct,--has given me much food for reflection, and I am converted,--entirely converted to your ideas." "Indeed! That is a happy change!" exclaimed Madame d'Harville. "Ah! I was sure that, when I appealed to your heart, to your reason, you would understand me; and now I have no doubt about the future." "Nor I either, Clemence, I assure you. Yes, since my resolution last night, the future, which seemed so vague and sombre, is singularly brightened and simplified." "Nothing can be more natural, my dear. Now we both go towards the same end, like a brother and sister, mutually dependent on each other; at the end of our career we shall find each other what we are to-day. The feeling will be unalterable. In a word, I wish you to be happy; and you shall be, for I have resolved it there," said Clemence, placing her finger on her forehead. Then she added, with charming emphasis, lowering her hand to her heart, "No, I mistake, it is here. That is the good thought that will watch over you incessantly, and myself also; and you shall see, my brother, in what the obstinacy of a devoted heart consists." "Dear Clemence!" said M. d'Harville with repressed emotion; then, after a moment's silence, he continued, in a gay tone: "I sent to beg you to come here before you went out, to tell you that I could not take tea with you this morning. I have some friends to breakfast,--a sort of impromptu,--to celebrate the fortunate result of a duel of poor Lucenay, who, by the way, was only very slightly wounded by his adversary." Madame d'Harville blushed when she reflected on the origin of this duel,--an absurd remark addressed in her presence by the Duke de Lucenay to M. Charles Robert. It reminded her of an _erreur_ of which she was ashamed, and, to escape from the pain she felt, she said to her husband: "What a singular chance! M. de Lucenay is coming to breakfast with you, and I am going, perhaps rather indiscreetly, to invite myself this morning to Madame de Lucenay's; for I have a great deal to say to her about my two unknowns. From her, it is my intention to go to the prison of St. Lazare with Madame de Blinval, for you do not know all my projects; at this time I am intriguing to get admittance into the workroom of the young prisoner-girls." "You are really insatiable," said M. d'Harville, with a smile; and then he added, with a painful emotion, which, despite his efforts, betrayed itself a little, "Then I shall see you no more to-day." "Does it annoy you that I should go out so early?" asked Clemence, quickly, astonished at the tone of his voice. "If you wish it, I can put off my visit to Madame de Lucenay." The Marquis had nearly betrayed himself, but continued, in an affectionate tone: