"I have told you already that I was your friend," he said, in a voice
faltering with emotion; "but I must tell you to-day that I am proud of
having such a friend as you."

The unfortunate man trembled at the touch of that loyal hand which
clasped his so warmly, and his face betrayed an ineffable satisfaction.

"If my father had not returned it," murmured the obstinate Marie-Anne,
"my father would have been an unfaithful guardian--a thief. He has done
only his duty."

M. d'Escorval turned to the young girl, a little surprised.

"You speak the truth, Mademoiselle," he said, reproachfully; "but when
you are as old as I am, and have had my experience, you will know that
the accomplishment of a duty is, under certain circumstances, a heroism
of which few persons are capable."

M. Lacheneur turned to his friend.

"Ah! your words do me good, Monsieur," said he. "Now, I am content with
what I have done."

The baroness rose, too much the woman to know how to resist the generous
dictates of her heart.

"And I, also, Monsieur Lacheneur," she said, "desire to press your hand.
I wish to tell you that I esteem you as much as I despise the ingrates
who have sought to humiliate you, when they should have fallen at your