'I have thought. I would almost burn myself in the fire, if uncle
wished it.'

'And he does wish this.'

'But I cannot do this even because he wishes it.'

'Why not, Marie?'

'I prefer being as I am. I do not wish to leave the hotel, or to be
married at all.'

'Nay, Marie, you will certainly be married some day.'

'No; there is no such certainty. Some girls never get married. I
am of use here, and I am happy here.'

'Ah! it is because you cannot love me.'

'I don't suppose I shall ever love any one, not in that way. I must
go away now, M. Urmand, because I am wanted below.'

She did go, and Adrian Urmand spoke no farther word of love to her
on that occasion.

'I will speak to her about it myself,' said Michel Voss, when he
heard his young friend's story that evening, seated again upon the
bench outside the door, and smoking another cigar.