w and better career." It was almost
impossible to believe that it was Mademoiselle Marguerite, usually so
haughtily reserved, who was now speaking with such passionate vehemence.
And to whom was she talking in this fashion? To a stranger, whom she saw
for the first time. But she was urged on by circumstances, the influence
of which was stronger than her own will. They had led her to reveal her
dearest and most sacred feelings and to display her real nature free
from any kind of disguise.

However, the magistrate concealed the emotion and sympathy which filled
his heart and refused to admit that the girl's hopes were likely to be
realized. "And if M. Ferailleur refused to accept your sacrifice?" he
asked.

"It is not a sacrifice, monsieur."

"No matter; but supposing he refused it, what should you do?"

"What should I do?" she muttered. "I don't know. Still I should have
no difficulty in earning a livelihood. I have been told that I have a
remarkable voice. I might, perhaps, go upon the stage."

The magistrate sprang from his arm-chair. "You become an actress, YOU?"

"Under such circumstances it would little matter what became of me!"

"But you don't suspect--you cannot imagine----"

He was at a loss for words to explain the nature of his objections to
such a career; and it was Mademoiselle Marguerite who found them for
him. "I suspect that theatrical life is an abominable life for a woman,"
she said, gravely; "but I know that there are many noble and chaste
women who have adopted the profession. That is enough for me. My pride
is a sufficient protection. It preserved me as an apprentice; it would
preserve me as an actress. I might be slandered; but that is not an
irremediable misfortune. I despise the world too much to be troubled by
its opinion so long as I have the approval of my own conscience. And
why should I not become a great artiste if I consecrated all the
intelligence, passion, energy, and will I might possess, to my art?"

Hearing a knock at the door she paused; and a moment later a footman
entered with lights, for night was falling. He was closely followed by
another servant, who said: "Mademoiselle, the Marquis de Valorsay is
below, and wishes to know if mademoiselle will grant him the honor of an
interview."

XII.

On hearing M. de Valorsay's name, Mademoiselle Marguerite and the
magistrate exchanged glances full of wondering conjecture. The girl was
undecided what course to pursue; bu