called upon
by her husband to explain the refusals of her daughter, threatened,
terrified, she would confess all?

At one glance Mlle. Gilberte estimated the danger; and, drawing from
necessity an audacity which was very foreign to her nature:

"You are mistaken, dear mother," said she, "I have concealed nothing
from you."

Not quite convinced, Mme. Favoral shook her head.

"Then," said she, "you will yield."

"Never!"

"Then there must be some reason you do not tell me."

"None, except that I do not wish to leave you. Have you ever
thought what would be your existence if I were no longer here? Have
you ever asked yourself what would become of you, between my father,
whose despotism will grow heavier with age, and my brother?"

Always prompt to defend her son:

"Maxence is not bad," she interrupted: "he will know how to
compensate me for the sorrows he has inflicted upon me."

The young girl made a gesture of doubt:

"I wish it, dear mother," said she, "with all my heart; but I dare
not hope for it. His repentance to-night was great and sincere; but
will he remember it to-morrow? Besides, don't you know that father
has fully resolved to separate himself from Maxence? Think of
yourself alone here with father."

Mme. Favoral shuddered at the mere idea.

"I would not suffer very long," she murmured. Mlle. Gilberte
kissed her.

"It is because I wish you to live to be happy that I refuse to
marry," she exclaimed. "Must you not have your share of happiness
in this world? Let me manage. Who knows what compensations the
future may have in store for you? Besides, this person whom father
has selected for me does not suit me. A stock-jobber, who would
think of nothing but money,--who would examine my house-accounts
as papa does yours, or else who would load me with cashmeres and
diamonds, like Mme. de Thaller, to make of me a sign for his shop?
No, no! I want no such man. So, mother dear, be brave, take sides
boldly with your daughter, and we shall soon be rid of this would-be
husband."

"Your father will bring him to you: he said he would."

"Well, he is a man of courage, if he returns three times."

At this moment the parlor-door opened suddenly.

"What are you plotting here again?" cried the irritated voice of
the master. "And you, Mme. Favoral, why don't you go to bed?"

The poor slave obeyed, without saying a word. And, whilst making
her way to her room:

"There is trouble ahead," th