"So much the better," said Gaston, sighing.
"Do you rejoice at our separation, Gaston?"
"No, Helene; but I rejoice that you should find a family when you are about to lose a friend."
"Lose a friend, Gaston! I have none but you; whom then should I lose?"
"At least, I must leave you for some time, Helene."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that Fate has endeavored to make our lots similar, and that you are not the only one who does not know what the morrow may bring forth."
"Gaston! Gaston! what does this strange language mean?"
"That I also am subject to a fatality which I must obey—that I also am governed by an irresistible and superior power."
"You! oh heavens!"