"In that case one might light these girandoles," said Gaston.
"That is well, when one wishes to be seen; but when one has reasons for concealment—"
"What!" interrupted Gaston; "what reason can a father have for hiding from his own daughter?"
"Excellent reasons, I believe, and you should understand them better than I can."
"Oh, Helene!" said Gaston, "with what terrible ideas you fill my mind."
"You alarm me, Gaston!"
"Tell me—what did your father speak of!"
"Of his deep love for me."
Gaston started.
"He swore to me that in future I should be happy; that there should be no more uncertainty as to my fate, for that he would despise all those considerations which had induced him as yet to disown me as a daughter."