"You returned to America."
"I did, but I was an altered man. I had no longer a purpose to uphold me—the motive for industry was gone. I traveled from city to city, earning plenty of money by my art, but spending it recklessly; and, forgive me, Pauline, wasting it often in the transient excitement of the gaming-table. I was too restless to remain in one place; I sought for change of scene, and for a life of action, for I was forever haunted by the memory of your unhappy fate; and one day I found myself in San Francisco, homeless and penniless. I had flung away my last dollar at the gaming-table. It was then that I resolved on accumulating a second fortune, and returning to France once more to seek for you. A sudden inspiration seemed to take possession of my mind; I felt that in all I had done, I had not done enough, and I determined to redouble my efforts, and devote the remainder of my life to the search for you."
"And you have succeeded."
"Ay, Pauline, in so unlooked for a manner, that I almost doubt now if this is not some strange but rapturous dream."
"You have arrived at New Orleans in time to assist at my wedding."
"Your wedding?"
"Yes, this day I become the wife of a wealthy Spaniard."
"Pauline!"
"Armand!"
She held out her hand to him as she spoke, and in the expression of that one word, "Armand," there was enough to tell him that he had no cause for fear. He lifted the little hand to his lips and covered it with kisses.