第281章

"And it was they who told you something which made you angry? What was it then? May I go and ask them, that I may have the opportunity of making my peace with you?""No, no," said Noirtier's look.

"Ah, you frighten me.What can they have said?" and she again tried to think what it could be.

"Ah, I know," said she, lowering her voice and going close to the old man."They have been speaking of my marriage, --have they not?"

"Yes," replied the angry look.

"I understand; you are displeased at the silence I have preserved on the subject.The reason of it was, that they had insisted on my keeping the matter a secret, and begged me not to tell you anything of it.They did not even acquaint me with their intentions, and I only discovered them by chance, that is why I have been so reserved with you, dear grandpapa.Pray forgive me." But there was no look calculated to reassure her; all it seemed to say was, "It is not only your reserve which afflicts me.""What is it, then?" asked the young girl."Perhaps you think I shall abandon you, dear grandpapa, and that I shall forget you when I am married?""No."

"They told you, then, that M.d'Epinay consented to our all living together?""Yes."

"Then why are you still vexed and grieved?" The old man's eyes beamed with an expression of gentle affection."Yes, Iunderstand," said Valentine; "it is because you love me."The old man assented."And you are afraid I shall be unhappy?""Yes."

"You do not like M.Franz?" The eyes repeated several times, "No, no, no.""Then you are vexed with the engagement?""Yes."

"Well, listen," said Valentine, throwing herself on her knees, and putting her arm round her grandfather's neck, "Iam vexed, too, for I do not love M.Franz d'Epinay." An expression of intense joy illumined the old man's eyes.

"When I wished to retire into a convent, you remember how angry you were with me?" A tear trembled in the eye of the invalid."Well," continued Valentine, "the reason of my proposing it was that I might escape this hateful marriage, which drives me to despair." Noirtier's breathing came thick and short."Then the idea of this marriage really grieves you too? Ah, if you could but help me -- if we could both together defeat their plan! But you are unable to oppose them, -- you, whose mind is so quick, and whose will is so firm are nevertheless, as weak and unequal to the contest as I am myself.Alas, you, who would have been such a powerful protector to me in the days of your health and strength, can now only sympathize in my joys and sorrows, without being able to take any active part in them.However, this is much, and calls for gratitude and heaven has not taken away all my blessings when it leaves me your sympathy and kindness."At these words there appeared in Noirtier's eye an expression of such deep meaning that the young girl thought she could read these words there: "You are mistaken; I can still do much for you.""Do you think you can help me, dear grandpapa?" said Valentine.

"Yes." Noirtier raised his eyes, it was the sign agreed on between him and Valentine when he wanted anything.