I looked at her, surprised, for she did not often intrude when I was
alone and occupied. She was very pale. With quiet determination on her
beautiful face, she walked up to me and leaned her arm on the back of my
chair.

"So, cousin," she said, "this marriage is going on?"

"Certainly, Coralie. I pray to God nothing may prevent it."

"You would lose your reason, I suppose, if you lost Agatha?"

"I cannot tell. I only know that, no matter how long I lived, life would
have no further charm for me."

She bent her head caressingly over me; her perfumed hair touched my
face.

"Edgar," she whispered, "once more I lose sight of my woman's pride;
once more I come to you and ask you--ah! do not turn from me--I ask you
to give up Agatha, and"--

She paused, for very shame, I hope.

"Give up Agatha and marry you, you would say, Coralie?"

"Ah, dear, I love you so! You would never repent it. I would make you
happy as a crowned king."

I stopped her.