ted the mystery of Gustave's conduct, many
a pleasant dream hovered that night around his pillow.

As the usual hour of Gustave's visit approached next day, De Vlierbeck's
heart beat high with hope; and when the visitor appeared, clad with
unusual neatness and care, the old gentleman welcomed him with more than
ordinary warmth. After the compliments of the day had been paid to his
ladylove, Gustave expressed a desire for a few moments' conversation
with her father, who led him into an adjoining cabinet and seated
himself by his side.

"What is it you wish of me, my young friend?" said he, kindly.

Gustave was silent for a moment, as if endeavoring to rally his ideas,
and then spoke out in a manly way:--

"I am about, my dear sir, to speak to you in regard to a matter that
concerns my happiness; and, no matter what may be your decision, I am
sure, from your kindness upon all occasions, that you will pardon my
boldness. I can hardly imagine that the feeling--the irresistible
feeling--I have entertained for Lenora from the first moment I saw her,
has escaped your penetrating eye. I ought probably to have asked your
consent long ago, before she obtained so complete a dominion over my
heart; but I have always secretly encouraged the belief that you read my
soul and wore not displeased with my motives."

Gustave was silent, awaiting the hoped-for words of encouragement; but
De Vlierbeck only looked at him with a gentle smile, and gave no other
indication of his pleasure. A motion of the hand, as if he wished the
lover to go on with his conversation, was the only sign he made in
reply,

Gustave's resolution began to ebb at this discouraging by-play; but,
summoning all his energy for another attack, he continued:--

"Yes, sir, I have loved Lenora from my first sight of her; but what was
then a spark is now a flame. Don't think it is her loveliness alone that
bewitched me. She might indeed enchant the most insensible of mankind;
but I found a far more glorious treasure in the angelic heart of your
daughter. Her virtue, the immaculate purity of her soul, her gentle and
magnanimous sentiments,--in a word, the prodigal gifts of mind and body
which God has lavished on her,--have increased my admiration to love, my
love to absolute idolatry! How dare I conceal my emotion from you any
longer? I cannot live without Lenora; the very thought of even a short
temporary separation from her overwhelms me with despair. I long to be
wi