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Rh family. My parents ordered it so, and it is not for me to disobey. I owe it to my house."

"I can't understand you, Gabrielle. At one moment you are a girl with all a girl's heart and feelings, and the next, you are the grand dame, cold, passionless, proud—just the embodied spirit of the traditions of your house."

"Were you a Malincourt you would understand. I have to live my life and must perforce be content."

"But pride makes an ill substitute for love in a marriage, Gabrielle. And your motive is pride. If this M. Gerard de Cobalt, this distant kinsman and unseen betrothed, should turn out to be a hideous depraved wretch"

"Peace, Lucette; you do but plague me. M. de Cobalt will be here to-day or to-morrow; and you will remember he is my affianced husband."

"I am sorry my reckless tongue wounds you, Gabrielle. I love you so dearly;" and Lucette bent across and kissed her tenderly. "Pray God it may all be well with you. Forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive, dear," answered Gabrielle sweetly. "You are right. I have two natures; and if the girl in me rebels sometimes, it is kinder to check than to encourage rebellion. To-day, somehow, it is harder than usual to check it. I shall be glad when M. de Cobalt comes. My uncle gives me good account of him, and speaks of him as brave and gallant."

"Does M. de Proballe know him?"

"No, he has never seen him—at least not for many years; but he has heard much of him, and from what he says all should be well."

"From what he says," commented Lucette, with a little frown of disdain.

"You trouble me, Lucette, with these reflections on