whither; you
are doing you know not what. Two beautiful eyes are your guiding star,
and in following their magic beckoning your feet may slip at any
moment, and you may be hurled into unknown depths."

Pilar must have divined that Wilhelm's thoughts were enemies to her
peace, and must be dispersed. They were alone in the carriage, and she
could give free rein to her feelings. She took his hand and kissed it,
and laying her arm round his neck, she said fondly:

"Don't be so depressed, Wilhelm. Of course it is only natural that one
should be afraid of any change after one has been so happy, but you
shall have no cause to regret St. Valery. You will see, it will be
still nicer in Paris. We remain the same as we were before, and surely
my little home is a more fitting frame for our love than the bare room
at the hotel!"

Wilhelm started back.

"You surely do not imagine that I am going to live in your house?" he
cried.

"But there can be no question about it!" she answered in surprise.

"Never!" Wilhelm declared, with a determination that frightened Pilar,
it was so new to her. "How could you think of such a thing?"

"But, Wilhelm," she returned, "what else could we do? I should not like
to think that it was your plan we should part at the station and each
go our different ways. If I believed that, I would throw myself under
the wheels of the train this very instant. We have not been indulging
in a little summer romance, entertaining enough at the seaside, but
which must die a natural death as soon as we return to Paris. My love
is a serious matter to me, and to you too, I hope. You are mine
forever, and as long as there is life in this hand, it will hold you
fast," and she cast herself passionately upon his breast, and clung to
him as if he were going to be torn from her.

"I never said I would leave you," he returned gently, and trying to
disengage himself; "but it is quite inconceivable that you should have
thought you would simply bring me back with you from the journey and
present me to your people."

"My people! You are my all, and nobody else exists for me."

"One says that in the heat of the moment, but you have relations--you
told me so yourself. What will they think of us if I calmly settle down
in your house?"

"Think?--always what people will think. That is the only fault you
have, Wilhelm. How can you do people the honor to take them into
consideration when it is a question of my life's happiness