What, too, would this man, of fairer
youth than himself, think of that disparaging counsel, when he heard
that the monitor had won the prize from which he had warned another?
Would it not seem that he had but spoken in the mean cunning dictated by
the fear of a worthier rival? Stung by these thoughts, he arrested his
steps, and, looking the Marquis full in the face, said, "You remind me
of one subject in our talk many weeks since; it is my duty to remind
you of another. At that time you, and, speaking frankly, I myself,
acknowledged the charm in the face of a young Italian lady. I told you
then that, on learning she was intended for the stage, the charm for me
had vanished. I said bluntly that it should vanish perhaps still more
utterly for a noble of your illustrious name; you remember?"

"Yes," answered Alain, hesitatingly, and with a look of surprise.

"I wish now to retract all I said thereon. Mademoiselle Cicogna is not
bent on the profession for which she was educated. She would willingly
renounce all idea of entering it. The only counterweight which, viewed
whether by my reason or my prejudices, could be placed in the opposite
scale to that of the excellences which might make any man proud to win
her, is withdrawn. I have become acquainted with her since the date of
our conversation. Hers is a mind which harmonizes with the loveliness of
her face. In one word, Marquis, I should deem myself honoured, as well
as blest, by such a bride. It was due to her that I should say this; it
was due also to you, in case you should retain the impression I sought
in ignorance to efface. And I am bound, as a gentleman, to obey this
twofold duty, even though in so doing I bring upon myself the affliction
of a candidate for the hand to which I would fain myself aspire,--a
candidate with pretensions in every way far superior to my own."

An older or a more cynical man than Alain de Rochebriant might well have
found something suspicious in a confession thus singularly volunteered;
but the Marquis was himself so loyal that he had no doubt of the loyalty
of Graham.

"I reply to you," he said, "with a frankness which finds an example in
your own. The first fair face which attracted my fancy since my arrival
at Paris was that of the Italian demoiselle of whom you speak in terms
of such respect. I do think if I had then been thrown into her society,
and found her to be such as you no doubt truthfully describe, that
fancy might have bec