"My father was of the number," he added, simply.
The words had scarcely passed his lips, when he felt two soft arms encircle his neck and hot tears inundating his cheeks, while the young girl sobbed as though her heart would break. The two young people remained thus clasped in each other's arms for several moments without uttering a word. Louis was the first to break the painful silence.
"My darling," he said, "you know what deep affection existed between my father and myself—you can understand my despair."
"Your loss is terrible, Louis."
"Your love is my only consolation, Mariette; and I shall ask a new proof—"
"You have but to command—my heart is yours."
"We must marry within the shortest possible delay."
"Ah! Louis! can you doubt my answer for a moment? Is this the new proof of love that you ask?" she said, half reproachfully. Then, after a moment of reflection, she added sadly: "Yet we cannot marry before the end of your mourning."
"My dear Mariette, pray do not let such a scruple stand between us."
"I shall do as you wish."