“And now,” added he, after a moment’s silence on both sides, “let me give you a piece of advice.  Go home to-day without seeing Lenora; examine your soul calmly, and see whether there are no secret emotions that may make you change your present views; let a night pass, and if, to-morrow, Lenora, poor as you now know her to be, is still dear to you,—­if you still think you can be happy with her and can make her happy,—­seek your uncle and ask his consent.  Here is my hand:  if the day shall ever come when I can offer it as a father’s, it will be the happiest of my life!”

Although the revelation made by Monsieur De Vlierbeck was astonishing to Gustave, the solemn tone in which he announced it convinced the lover of its truth.  He was silent for a moment; but soon a spark of enthusiasm began to glisten in his eye and light up his face, as he exclaimed,—­

“How can you ask me if I shall continue to love Lenora now that I know her to be poor?  It will be happiness enough for me to receive her as a wife, to be bound to her by the eternal bonds of love, to be forever within her reach, and to receive my happiness from her look and voice!  What delight it will be for me to protect her and know that I have the privilege of working for her!  Palace or hovel; riches or poverty, all are equally indifferent to me, provided her presence animates the spot!  A night’s reflection, Monsieur De Vlierbeck, cannot change my resolution.  Grant me Lenora’s hand, and I will thank you on my knees for the priceless gift!”

“And suppose I do,” replied the old gentleman; “generosity and constancy are natural to the ardent character of youth:—­but your uncle?”

“My uncle!” murmured Gustave, with evident grief; “that is true; I need his consent.  All I possess or ever shall possess in the world depends on his affection for me.  I am the orphan son of his brother.  He adopted me as his child and has overwhelmed me with kindness.  He has the right to decide my lot in life, and I must obey him.”

“And do you think that he, a merchant, who probably places a very high value on money, because experience has taught him its value, will say, like you, ’Palace or hovel, poverty or wealth, it makes no difference’?”

“Alas!  I know not, Monsieur De Vlierbeck,” said Gustave, droopingly.  “But my uncle is so good to me—­so extraordinarily good—­that I may rightly hope for his consent.  He will return to-morrow.  When I embrace him I will declare all my wishes.  I will say my comfort, my happiness, my life, depend on his consent.  I know that he loves Lenora sincerely; for, before his departure, he even seemed to encourage my pretensions to her hand.  Your disclosures will undoubtedly surprise him; but my prayers will conquer:  believe it!”

Monsieur De Vlierbeck rose, to put an end to the conversation.

“Well, ask your uncle’s consent,” said he; “and, if your hopes are realized, let him come here and consult about the marriage.  Whatever may be the issue of this affair, Gustave, you at least have always behaved toward us with the delicacy of a generous youth.  My esteem and friendship shall always be yours.  Go now; quit Grinselhof this time without seeing Lenora, for you ought not to meet her until this affair is settled.  I will tell her myself whatever I think proper for her to know.”