Page:The Adventures of David Simple (1904).djvu/290

 him leave to proceed, replied, he could not imagine by what accident he had discovered it; for he would defy any one to say he had ever dropped the least complaint, notwithstanding all the misery he had suffered; nor could even the daily, nay hourly, sight of a person lie then thought his successful rival, extort from him a confession which his gratitude to such a friend forbade him ever to make. My brother begged him to hear him out; and then said—'My dear Dumont, I am so far from accusing you, that had not your honour been fixed in my opinion as steadfastly as possible before, your behaviour on this occasion would have been the most convincing proof imaginable that although our friendship commenced in our youth, yet nothing can ever shake or remove it. And, by my own experience, I am so certain there cannot be any enjoyment equal to that of living with a person one loves, that I bless my good fortune which has put it in my power to bestow that happiness on my sister and on my friend. In short, Isabelle shall be yours, and I shall have the inexpressible pleasure of calling you brother.' "Dumont stood for some time like a statue; no words could express his thoughts, nor would the emotions of his mind give him leave to speak. The first sign he showed of any remaining life was when love, gratitude, and joy worked too strongly in his soul to be contained, and forced their way in gushing tears. He at last ran and embraced the marquis; crying out, 'You must imagine my thanks, for I cannot utter them!'

"Alter a little more conversation between the two friends, my brother called me down; and as soon as I entered the room, taking me by the hand, he led me to the Chevalier, saying, 'Here, my friend, in Isabelle I make you a present which you only are worthy of; and to your merit I am obliged for the at pleasure I enjoy in thinking I have bestowed