"I can scarcely believe it," replied she. "My father treats you like a son; every one loves you. It would be ingratitude if you were unhappy."
"Alas!" said I, unable to restrain my emotion, "it is grief I am a prey to!"
"Why, what has happened?"
"Just now, cousin, you have told me your father treated me like a son, and that every one loved me; and yet, ere long, I must quit Gerolstein. It is this that grieves me."
"And are the recollections of those you have left as nothing?"
"Doubtless; but time brings so many changes."
"There are affections, at least, that are unchangeable; such as that of my father for you, such as that I feel for you. When you are once brother and sister you never forget each other," added she, looking up, her large blue eyes full of tears.
I was on the point of betraying myself; however, I controlled my feelings in time.
"Do you think then, cousin," said I, "that when I return in a few years this affection will continue?"
"Why should it not?"