had discovered in him his father's noble
qualities; that the sensitiveness which is so easily wounded was
expressed in his every word and action.

She anxiously wondered if he would ever accept the least assistance from
her. The Marquis of Clameran quieted her doubts on this point.

She had frequently met him since the day on which he had so frightened
her, and to her first aversion had succeeded a secret sympathy. She felt
kindly toward him for the affection he lavished on her son.

If Raoul, with the heedlessness of youth, mocked at the future, Louis,
the man of the world, looked upon it with different eyes. He was anxious
for the welfare of his nephew, and constantly complained of the idle
life he was now leading.

One day, after praising the attractive qualities of Raoul, he said:

"This pleasant life is very well, as long as it lasts; but people cannot
live upon air, and, as my handsome nephew has no fortune, it would be
only prudent for us to procure him some employment."

"Ah, my dear uncle, do let me enjoy my present happiness. What is the
use of any change? What do I want?"

"You want for nothing at present, Raoul; but when your resources are
exhausted, and mine, too--which will be in a short time--what will
become of you?"

"_Bast!_ I will enter the army. All the Clamerans are born soldiers; and
if a war comes----"

Mme. Fauvel laid her hand upon his lips, and said in a tone of
reproachful tenderness:

"Cruel boy, become a soldier? would you, then, deprive me of the joy of
seeing you?"

"No, my mother; no."

"You must agree to whatever plans we make for your good," said Louis;
"and not be talking of any wild schemes of your own."

"I am ready to obey; but not yet. One of these days I will go to work,
and make a fortune."

"How, poor, foolish boy? What can you do?"

"_Dame!_ I don't know now; but set your mind at rest, I will find a
way."

Finding it impossible to make this self-sufficient youth listen to
reason, Louis and Mme. Fauvel, after discussing the matter fully,
decided that assistance must be forced upon him, and his path in life
marked out for him.

It was difficult, however, to choose a profession; and Clameran thought
it prudent to wait awhile, and study the bent of the young man's mind.
In the meanwhile it was decided that Mme. Fauvel should place funds at
Clameran's disposal for Raoul's support.

Regarding Gaston's brother in the light of a father to her child, Mme.
Fauvel