"Gaston, I have found a father."
"A father—ah, my dear Helene, I share your joy; what happiness! a father to watch over my Helene, my wife!"
"To watch from afar."
"Is he separated from you?"
"Alas, it seems the world separates us."
"Is it a secret?"
"A secret even to me, or you may be sure you should know all. I have no secrets from you, Gaston."
"A misfortune of birth—a prescription in your family—some temporary obstacle?"——"I do not know."
"Decidedly, it is a secret; but," said he, smiling, "I permit you to be discreet with me, if your father ordered it. However, may I ask some more questions?"
"Oh, yes."