The Poor Gentleman

f an afternoon with them, and went home at nightfall to the chateau of Echelpoel full of delightful recollections and hopes. Either from a fear of disturbing the reserved habits of the old ge

ly on the wings of love. He strolled with Lenora through the shady walks of the old garden, listened to her father's observations on science and art, drank in the delicious notes of his loved one's voi

the world seemed sad and dead if she were not present to shed the light of her joyous spirit upon every thing around him. Neither religion nor poetry could conjure up an angel more fascinating than his beloved. Indeed, though God had endo

t they should unite in a walk through the garden; and, of course, he had never enjoyed an opportunity to breathe the love that was rising to his lips. Still, he felt that it was altogether useless to express

leman. What he heard outside of Grinselhof of De Vlierbeck's extraordinary avarice had been fully realized since he became intimate at the house. No one ever offered him a glass of wi

ce which did not detract from the native dignity of his character. And yet, had the young man known the truth, he would have seen that a pang was hidden beneath every smile that flitted over the old man's face, and that the nervous shudders which at times shook his frame were the results of a suppressed agony that almost destroyed him. As he gazed on the happy face of Lenora and steeped his soul in the intoxication of her love

tal months had

auspicious, there was nothing but dishonor and moral death for himself and child! Destiny was about to decide forever whether he was to come out victorious from this ten years' conflict with poverty, or whether he was to fall into the abyss

his relative would not oppose the union, he foresaw that he would not be allowed hereafter to spend so much of his time away from business. Indeed, the

t him, but his words did not seem to produce the desired effect; and, after a short time, Gustave rose abruptly and took leave, though his usual time of departure had not yet arrived. Lenora read in his expression that some sudden revolution had occurred in her lover's mind, for his eyes glistened with extraordinary animation. She strove eagerly to retain him by

al neatness and care, the old gentleman welcomed him with more than ordinary warmth. After the compliments of the day had been paid to his ladylov

of me, my young fri

if endeavoring to rally his ideas,

rdon my boldness. I can hardly imagine that the feeling-the irresistible feeling-I have entertained for Lenora from the first moment I saw her, has escaped your penetrating eye. I ought probably to ha

at him with a gentle smile, and gave no other indication of his pleasure. A motion of the hand

discouraging by-play; but, summoning all h

er gentle and magnanimous sentiments,-in a word, the prodigal gifts of mind and body which God has lavished on her,-have increased my admiration to love, my love to absolute idolatry! How dare I conceal my emotion from you any longer? I cannot live without Lenora; the very thought of even a short temporary separation from her overwhelms me wi

t genuine emotion which bespoke his sincerity, and touched the heart of De

now very well that you love Lenora, and that she is not insensibl

e I fear you do not consider me worthy the happiness I have sought. I have no ancestral tree whose roots are buried in the

rst day of our acquaintance? No Gustave; no matter what your lineage may be, your own heart is ge

rst of joyous impatience, "you don't refuse me Lenora's hand?-you

, it will give me unbounded happiness to intrust the fate of my only child

tave, growing pale;-"an obst

Gustave, I suppose, that Grinselhof and all its dependencies belong to us? It is not so: we are pen

with so incredulous a smile that the poor g

them, you think me a miser, hiding my wealth and starving my child and myself to amass riches,

moved by the excitement of the old man "I think noth

our incredulous smile that I had succeeded in masking my poverty even from you, and in making you suppose that my economy was avarice. But it is needless

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

one in which he announced it convinced the lover of its truth. He was silent for a moment; but

n 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 equal

; "generosity and constancy are natural to th

ll possess in the world depends on his affection for me. I am the orphan son of his brother. He adopted me as

value on money, because experience has taught him its value, will say,

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

k rose, to put an en

fair, 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 Grins

tween joy and anxiety,-Gustave bade farewell