g loved, and my affection for whom
is still a secret; but I wish you to know--and in saying this I am
more sincere than most young girls--that had I not already formed this
voluntary attachment, you would have been my choice, for I recognize
your noble and beautiful qualities. A few words which your aunt and
sister have said to me as to your intentions lead me to make this frank
avowal. If you think it desirable, a letter from my mother shall recall
me, on pretence of her illness, to-morrow morning before the hunt
begins. Without your consent I do not choose to be present at a fete
which I owe to your kindness, and where, if my secret should escape me,
you might feel hurt and defrauded. You will ask me why I have come here
at all. I could not withstand the invitation. Be generous enough not to
reproach me for what was almost a necessary curiosity. But this is not
the chief, not the most delicate thing I have to say to you. You have
firm friends in my father and myself,--more so than perhaps you realize;
and as my fortune was the first cause that brought you to me, I wish
to say--but without intending to use it as a sedative to calm the grief
which gallantry requires you to testify--that my father has thought
over the affair of the marshes, his friend Dumay thinks your project
feasible, and they have already taken steps to form a company.
Gobenheim, Dumay, and my father have subscribed fifteen hundred thousand
francs, and undertake to get the rest from capitalists, who will feel
it in their interest to take up the matter. If I have not the honor
of becoming the Duchesse d'Herouville, I have almost the certainty of
enabling you to choose her, free from all trammels in your choice,
and in a higher sphere than mine. Oh! let me finish," she cried, at a
gesture from the duke.

"Judging by my nephew's emotion," whispered Mademoiselle d'Herouville to
her niece, "it is easy to see you have a sister."

"Monsieur le duc, all this was settled in my mind the day of our first
ride, when I heard you deplore your situation. This is what I have
wished to say to you. That day determined my future life. Though you
did not make the conquest of a woman, you have at least gained faithful
friends at Ingouville--if you will deign to accord us that title."

This little discourse, which Modeste had carefully thought over,
was said with so much charm of soul that the tears came to the grand
equerry's eyes; he seized her hand and kissed it.

"