"Man has lost the power of high spiritual communion."
"But these may be regained."
"If this be true, any privation or sacrifice may be undergone for their repossession; too small the price, whatever the cost. But then, how can contentment with the meanest things, or filling the humblest offices, assist this conclusion? And this is but one rule; are the others of a like fashion?" The young man was fairly mystified; that the oracle had emitted truth, he doubted not; but a clue to the meaning of that truth was wanting, and where should he find that clue?
CHAPTER III.
THE "MARIAGE DE CONVENANCE."
There was a visible excitement in the house; even Mr. Godfrey, ever so solemn, and latterly so inclined to severity, put on a cheerful appearance; people outside the family were guessing at the cause. For a long time, guessing was the only thing they could do; even Madame de Meglior was not in the secret until one morning she received a letter from M. de Villeneuve, which appeared to contain some news, for she said to Mr. Godfrey, who happened to be the only one present: "Brother, can this be true?"
"Can what be true, my good sister?" was the question returned.
"That the Duke of Durimond is coming here to marry Adelaide?"
"Why should it not be true?"
"Why, the duke is an old man!"
"Not at all; he was quite young when he made proposals for Adelaide; surely you remember them."