Zuleika gave a slight start.
"Divined their cause, Mme. Morrel?"
"Yes," answered Valentine. "You are in love!"
The young girl blushed, but appeared relieved. Mme. Morrel had divined her love, had divined that her sorrows arose from it, but she had not divined the nature of the shadow that clouded her budding life and filled her with grief and apprehension.
"Zuleika," continued Valentine, with the utmost tenderness and consideration, "I, too, have loved, deeply and desperately; I, too, have felt all the bitter pangs that arise from separation; but I have realized my dream at last, and the shadows that surrounded me have been swept away by the blessed sunshine of union and happiness. Confide in me, my child. If I cannot drive your shadows from you, I can at least give you true sympathy and the consolation that it affords."
"They will be welcome to me, unspeakably welcome, madame," replied Zuleika, tremulously.
"Then tell me all."
"I cannot, madame; I have no right to; but I can tell you enough to wring your heart, to show you how unfortunate I am."
"My poor girl, I understand and appreciate your scruples. You do not wish to compromise your lover, and you are right. Your decision does you honor. Is the man you love in Paris?"