_Man._ Married--married--and to _him_. Well, and why not? Fool that I am! Despite of all that should preserve and fence my heart as with a wall of steel, from every impulse which could induce forgetfulness of my bitter lot, and the one sacred object of my life, still will that coward heart indulge in dreams--wild dreams of one day laying its most precious offerings at the feet which would but spurn them. _Enter M'LLE HELOUIN, with basket._ But I will conquer yet, and if the struggle be hard, the victory will be the more worthy. _Mlle H._ [_Aside._] He is alone. Hitherto, I have kept his secret well; whether I will continue silent, depends upon himself. Courage, and the poor hireling may yet be a Marchioness. [_Comes down to him._] Oh! Monsieur Manuel, how beautiful that is! You see, while you have been painting the woods, I have been gathering flowers. You know we have a ball to-night. _Man._ Indeed? I was not aware of it. _Mlle H._ You positively don't seem to know or care about anything that goes on. You are worse than indifferent, you are unsociable-- _Man._ Pardon me, not unsociable. But I know my station, and think it better not to risk being reminded of it. _Mlle H._ [_After a pause._] Monsieur Manuel-- _Man._ Mademoiselle-- _Mlle H._ Have I ever offended you? _Man._ No, indeed. _Mlle H._ I have been vain enough to think, at times, that you had some friendly feeling for me. _Man._ And so I have. It is but natural. Our fortunes and positions are the same, or nearly so. Both dependent on the caprices of those who employ us, both alone, friendless. This should create sympathy at least, if not friendship. _Mlle H._ You would not fear, then, to tell me of my faults? _Man._ Not if you desired it. _Mlle H._ Indeed I do desire it. _Mlle H._ But I only know of one. _Mlle H._ Pray name it. Nay, I shall receive it as a kindness. _Mlle H._ Well, then I think you admit and encourage somewhat too great a familiarity with the family in whose employment we are. Your motives may be, indeed, I'm sure they _are_, perfectly innocent; still they will not be so considered, for in this world, the unfortunate are always suspected. _Mlle H._ True, true. Spoken with a delicacy and candor all you own--I thank you sincerely--and you will always continue as now--my true friend? _Man._ I shall feel honored in the title. _Mlle H._ A true--a _dear_ friend? _Man._ [_Aside._] What is she driving at? _Mlle H._ A friend that loves me? _Man._ [_Aside._] Hallo! we're getting tender! _Mlle H._ A friend that loves me, ardently--do you hear? _Man._ Distinctly. _Mlle H._ And do you comprehend? _Man._ [_Half aside._] I'm afraid I do. _Mlle H._ Do you remember the old nursery rhyme-- "Pluck from the flower its leafy store-- Love me little, love me more; Hearts change owners, yet combine, If mine is yours, and yours is mine." Come, now, let us see if you know which line should be yours. Shall I commence? _Man._ If you please. _Mlle H._