pening, the
stairs creaking, the sound of steps approaching, always the same thing."

And he knocked again.

"There," said he, "he peeps through the trellis-work, sees my pale face,
and goes away, always without opening. Adieu, cruel house, until
to-morrow."

And he turned to go; but scarcely had he taken two steps, when the key
turned in the lock, and, to his profound surprise, the door opened, and
a man stood bowing on the threshold. It was the same whom he had seen
before.

"Good-evening, monsieur," said he, in a harsh voice, but whose sound
appeared to Du Bouchage sweeter than the song of birds.

Henri joined his hands and trembled so that the servant put out a hand
to save him from falling, with a visible expression of respectful pity.

"Come, monsieur," said he, "here I am: explain to me, I beg, what you
want."

"I have loved so much," replied the young man; "my heart has beat so
fast, that I hardly know if it still beats."

"Will it please you, monsieur, to sit down and talk to me?"

"Oh, yes!"

"Speak, then, monsieur, and tell me what you desire."

"My friend, you already know. Many times, you know, I have waited for
you and surprised you at the turn of a street, and have offered you gold
enough to enrich you, had you been the greediest of men; at other times
I have threatened you, but you have never listened to me, and have
always seen me suffer without seeming to pity me. To-day you tell me to
speak--to express my wishes; what then has happened, mon Dieu?"

The servant sighed. He had evidently a pitying heart under a rough
covering. Henry heard this sigh, and it encouraged him.

"You know," continued he, "that I love, and how I love; you have seen me
pursue a woman and discover her, in spite of her efforts to fly me: but
never in my greatest grief has a bitter word escaped me, or have I given
heed to those violent thoughts which are born of despair and the fire of
youth."

"It is true, monsieur; and in this my mistress renders you full
justice."

"Could I not," continued Henri, "when you refused me admittance, have
forced the door, as is done every day by some lad, tipsy, or in love?
Then, if but for a minute, I should have seen this inexorable woman, and
have spoken to her."

"It is true."

"And," continued the young count, sadly, "I am something in this world;
my name is great as well as my fortune, the king himself protects me;
just now he begged me to confide to him my griefs and to