His cheek flushed; his heart smote him. What! had he spoken slightingly
of her--of her? What if she became his own wife? What! had he himself
failed in the respect which he would demand as her right from the
loftiest of his high-born kindred? What, too, would this man, of fairer
youth than himself, think of that disparaging counsel, when be heard that
the monitor had won the prize from which he had warned another? Would it
not seem that he had but spoken in the mean cunning dictated by the fear
of a worthier rival? Stung by these thoughts, he arrested his steps,
and, looking the Marquis full in the face, said, "You remind me of one
subject in our talk many weeks since; it is my duty to remind you of
another. At that time you, and, speaking frankly, I myself, acknowledged
the charm in the face of a young Italian lady. I told you then that, on
learning she was intended for the stage, the charm for me had vanished.
I said bluntly that it should vanish perhaps still more utterly for a
noble of your illustrious name; you remember?"

"Yes," answered Alain, hesitatingly, and with a look of surprise.

"I wish now to retract all I said thereon. Mademoiselle Cicogna is not
bent on the profession for which she was educated. She would willingly
renounce all idea of entering it. The only counterweight which, viewed
whether by my reason or my prejudices, could be placed in the opposite
scale to that of the excellences which might make any man proud to win
her, is withdrawn. I have become acquainted with her since the date of
our conversation. Hers is a mind which harmonizes with the loveliness of
her face. In one word, Marquis, I should deem myself honoured, as well
as blest, by such a bride. It was due to her that I should say this; it
was due also to you, in case you should retain the impression I sought in
ignorance to efface. And I am bound, as a gentleman, to obey this
twofold duty, even though in so doing I bring upon myself the affliction