"But if I think it my duty to accept M. Lenoble's offer, Lotta?" urged
Miss Paget with some embarrassment of manner. "M. Lenoble is as rich as
he is generous, and my marriage with him will secure a happy home for my
father. The foolish dreams I told you about on Christmas Eve had faded
from my mind before I dared to speak of them. I could only confess my
folly when I knew that I was learning to be wise. Pray do not think that
I am sordid or mercenary. It is not because M. Lenoble is rich that I am
inclined to marry him, it is because--"
"Because you want to throw yourself away for the advantage of your
selfish heartless father," interjected Charlotte. "He has neglected you
all your life, and now wants to profit by the sacrifice of your
happiness. Be firm, Di, darling; your Charlotte will stand by you, and
find a home for you always, come what may. Who is this M. Lenoble? Some
horrible ugly old creature, I dare say."
Miss Paget smiled and blushed. The vision of Gustave's frank handsome
face arose before her very vividly as Charlotte said this.
"No, dear," she replied. "M. Lenoble is not an old
man--five-and-thirty at most."
"Five-and-thirty!" repeated Charlotte, with a wry face; you don't call
that young? And what is he like?"
"Well, dear, I think he is the sort of man whom most people would call
handsome. I'm sure you would like him, Lotta.
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