"And then there are such strange resemblances between Mme.de Noisy's character and yours, my friend; above all, in her worship of her mother."
"It is true, Marcel; that affection has often caused me both admiration and torment.How often she has said to me, with her habitual frankness:
`I have sacrificed all for you, but I would sacrifice you for my mother.'"
"Thank heaven, my friend, you will never see Mme.de Noisy exposed to that cruel choice.Her mother, you say, has long renounced her intention of returning to America, where M.de Noisy, perfectly careless of his wife, appears to have settled himself permanently.Thanks to the discreet devotion of the excellent woman by whom Margaret was brought up, your love is concealed in the deepest mystery.What could disturb it now?"
"Nothing--oh! nothing," cried M.Hardy."I have almost security for its duration."
"What do you mean, my friend?"
"I do not know if I ought to tell you."
"Have you ever found me indiscreet, my friend?"
"You, good Marcel! how can you suppose such a thing?" said M.Hardy, in a tone of friendly reproach; "no! but I do not like to tell you of my happiness, till it is complete; and I am not yet quite certain--"
A servant entered at this moment and said to M.Hardy: "Sir, there is an old gentleman who wishes to speak to you on very pressing business."
"So soon!" said M.Hardy, with a slight movement of impatience."With your permission, my friend." Then, as M.de Blessac seemed about to withdraw into the next room, M.Hardy added with a smile: "No, no; do not stir.Your presence will shorten the interview."