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The Regent's Daughter
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"Your daughter; and who is her mother?"
"An honest woman, who had the honor of dying without knowing you."
"And the child?"
"The child has been concealed, that she might not be sullied by the looks of such creatures as you."
Dubois bowed, and retired, respectfully.
The regent looked triumphant.
"Ah!" said Dubois, who had not quite closed the door, "I thought this plot would bring me my archbishop's miter – if I am careful, it will bring me my cardinal's hat."
CHAPTER XI.
RAMBOUILLET AGAIN
At the appointed hour Gaston presented himself at Helene's domicile, but Madame Desroches made some difficulty about admitting him; Helene, however, said firmly that she was quite at liberty to judge for herself what was right, and that she was quite determined to see M. de Livry, who had come to take leave of her. It will be remembered that this was the name which Gaston had assumed during the journey, and which he intended to retain, except when with those connected with his mission to Paris.
Madame Desroches went to her room somewhat out of humor, and even attempted to overhear the conversation, but Helene bolted the outer door.
"Ah, Gaston," said she, "I have been expecting you. I did not sleep last night."
"Nor I, Helene; but I must admire all this splendor."
Helene smiled.
"And your head-dress – how beautiful you are, like this."
"You do not appear much pleased."
Gaston made no reply, but continued his investigations.
"These rich hangings, these costly pictures, all prove that your protectors are opulent, Helene."
"I believe so," said Helene, smiling, "yet I am told that these hangings, and this gilding, which you admire, are old and unfashionable, and must be replaced by new."
"Ah, Helene, you will become a great lady," said Gaston, sighing; "already I am kept waiting for an audience."
"My dear Gaston, did you not wait for hours in your little boat on the lake?"
"You were then in the convent. I waited the abbess's pleasure."
"That title is sacred, is it not?"
"Yes."
"It gives security, imposes respect and obedience."
"Doubtless."
"Well, judge of my delight. Here I find the same protection, the same love, only more powerful, more lasting."
"What!" exclaimed Gaston, surprised.
"I find – "
"Speak, in Heaven's name."
"Gaston, I have found a father."
"A father – ah, my dear Helene, I share your joy; what happiness! a father to watch over my Helene, my wife!"
"To watch from afar."
"Is he separated from you?"
"Alas, it seems the world separates us."
"Is it a secret?"
"A secret even to me, or you may be sure you should know all. I have no secrets from you, Gaston."
"A misfortune of birth – a prescription in your family – some temporary obstacle?" – "I do not know."
"Decidedly, it is a secret; but," said he, smiling, "I permit you to be discreet with me, if your father ordered it. However, may I ask some more questions?"
"Oh, yes."
"Are you pleased? Is your father one you can be proud of?"
"I think so, his heart seems noble and good. His voice is sweet and melodious."
"His voice! but is he like you?"
"I do not know. I have not seen him."
"Not seen him?"
"No, it was dark."
"Your father did not wish to see his daughter; and you so beautiful; oh, what indifference!"
"No, Gaston, he is not indifferent; he knows me well; he has my portrait – that portrait which made you so jealous last spring."
"But I do not understand this."
"It was dark, I tell you."
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