ceable," answered Gaston. "His advice was always
good, and in nothing better than in deciding you to take this house,
which you, at first thought too magnificent; he was wise, also, in
persuading you to furnish it so luxuriously. He comprehended, better
than you or I did, that a certain amount of pomp and show would make a
desirable impression upon the inhabitants even of a republican country."

"Yes, I have cause to thank him for that counsel. And when I reflect
that this house, which I at first thought too splendid, will soon become
my own, I can hardly believe my good fortune. To-day, or to-morrow, I am
to make the last payment of ten thousand dollars, and the house will be
mine, clear of all incumbrance. I have the money ready, and probably
before night it will be paid. This very morning, when I returned home,
as I entered the door, I could not but pause suddenly, and say to
myself, 'Is this no dream? Have I a home of my own, at last? Will this
elegant mansion to-day become mine, and through the toil of'"--

"'Fairy fingers,'" interrupted Gaston.

"Something magical, I am inclined to admit," returned Madeleine, gayly.
"But had it not been for the earnest counsels of Mr. Hilson, I should
never have felt justified in living in my present style; he convinced me
that the money I expended in surrounding myself with all the elegances
of life was laid out at interest; and I suppose he is right; these
elegances have perhaps drawn the rich to my door."

"What was it that drew the poor?" asked Gaston. "You have tried to keep
your charities as secret from me as your noble birth was kept from
others, but accident has made me acquainted with more than you are
aware. I know with what liberal hands you have succored the needy."

"Those who have endured the sharp sting of poverty themselves may well
feel for the poor," replied Madeleine. "And yet, I do little enough for
my poor human sisters and brothers; but we are gossiping very idly. Did
you not say that you particularly wished to speak to me? It was not
simply to make these sage reflections, was it?"

"No; but I shrank from touching upon the subject while you seemed so
serene and happy. I could not bear to recall the painful interview with
your family yesterday, when they--they--they"--

"When they cast me off!--spurned me as one degraded! Do not fear to
speak out. My aunt is implacable,--I might have known that she would
be,--and Count Tristan is the same."

"What matt