The marquis took her hand and pressed it against his heart.
"My father," said Eve after several moments of silence, "our cousin has gone for Gaston and his fiancée; my father, I have a request to make of you."
"Tell it, tell it," said the old man ardently.
Eve bent, and said in a trembling voice:
"They are both of them generous and devoted; both of them have suffered much: make them rich, I implore you, lest your wealth should pass into avaricious hands."
"Oh! my God! you expect, then, to die! Eve, my darling daughter, is this your secret?"
"No! I do not wish to die! no! I wish to live for you!"
"But I am old, very old!" the marquis replied, with hesitation, "and--after me--"
"After you whom shall I love?" said Eve in a melodious voice. "Father, I implore you, make Gaston and Louise's future sure, and you will have crowned all my wishes."
Eve had scarcely finished when Mme. du Castellet entered; Louise and Gaston followed her. The two lovers succeeded in wiping away their tears, but their emotion was [{378}] redoubled when they saw themselves between the young girl and her grandfather.