noble houses."

"What can it be?"

"That I have no means of ascertaining, but that there is one I am sure."

Andre turned away and paced rapidly up and down the room. "Yes," said
he, suddenly, "there is a mystery; but you and I will leave no stone
unturned until we penetrate it." He drew a chair close to the side
of his friend, who was reclining on a couch. "Listen," said he, "and
correct me if you fancy that I am not right in what I am saying. Do you
believe that the most terrible necessity alone has compelled Sabine to
write this letter?"

"Most certainly."

"Both the Count and Countess were willing to accept you as their
son-in-law?"

"Exactly so."

"Could M. de Mussidan have found a more brilliant match for his
daughter, one who could unite so many advantages of experience and
education to so enormous a fortune?"

De Breulh could hardly repress a smile.

"I am not wishing to pay you a compliment," said Andre impatiently.
"Reply to my question."

"Very well then, I admit that according to the opinion of the world, I
was a most eligible suitor, and that M. de Mussidan would find it hard
to replace me."

"Then tell me how it comes about that neither the Count nor the Countess
has made any effort to prevent this rupture?"

"Their pride, perhaps, has been wounded."

"Not so, for Modeste tells us that on the very day you sent the letter
the Count was going to call on you to break off the engagement."

"Yes, that is so, if we are to believe Modeste."

As if to give more emphasis to his words, Andre started to his feet.
"This," cried he, "this man, who has so suddenly appeared upon the
scene, will marry Sabine, not only against her own will, but against
that of her parents, and for what reason? Who is this man, and what is
the mysterious power that he possesses? His power is too great to spring
from an honorable source. Sabine is sacrificing herself to this man for
some reason or other, and he, like a dastardly cur, is ready to take
advantage of the nobleness of her heart."

"I admit the correctness of your supposition," said he; "and now, how do
you propose to act?"

"I shall do nothing as yet," answered the young man, with a fierce gleam
in his eyes. "Sabine asks me to tear her from my heart. I will affect
to do so for the time. Modeste believes in me, and will help me. I have
patience. The villain who has wrecked my life does not know me, and
I will only reveal myself upon the day that I hold him