gulf is fathomless--the gulf of ambition, for which ambition barters,
as in this instance, its enjoyment--manhood too often its truth--and
old age its repose. Yes, she had linked her destiny to such a man,
and now she felt the full import of the vow she had made, of the
pledge she had taken. She had done so wittingly, knowingly, with
consideration; but not until that moment had the full force of her
position burst upon her.

"Dumiger," she again whispered in the small, still voice of love;
bending her lips to his hand at the same time,--"Dumiger!"

There was silence, for he slept.

But slowly, as though by a secret sympathy, he awoke to consciousness:
he looked wildly around the room, and then turned a keen, earnest gaze
on the form near him.

"Marguerite, my love," he said gently, and then he put his arm around
her waist, and pressed his lips to hers, "you promised me, Marguerite,
that you would let me toil through this night."

"So I did, Dumiger," she replied; "but I felt nervous and wretched; I
could not sleep: besides, look out, the night is already passed, it is
quite morning, and very chilly too," she said, as she drew her shawl
closer round her bosom.

"Yes, you will catch cold, my darling. Leave me."

"And you, Dumiger, will you remain here, poring over these volumes,
and torturing your brains? I am sure, that you will succeed far more