"Madame," said the lieutenant, "the time has elapsed."
"Helene," said Gaston, seizing the young girl's hand, with a nervous trembling which he could not master.
"What is it?" cried she, watching him with terror. "Good Heaven! you are as pale as marble."
"It is nothing," said he, forcing himself to be calm; "indeed, it is nothing," and he kissed her hand.
"Till to-morrow, Gaston."
"To-morrow—yes."
The duke appeared at the door; Gaston ran to him.
"Monseigneur," said he, "do all in your power to obtain permission for her to become my wife; but if that be impossible, swear to me that she shall be your daughter."
The duke pressed Gaston's hand; he was so affected that he could not speak.
Helene approached. Gaston was silent, fearing she might overhear.