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 her side; but he resisted her appeal pleasantly, and declared that nothing should unveil his secret till the following day, when he would return to Grinselhof.  De Vlierbeck, however, was more familiar with the world than his daughter; and, imagining that lie had penetrated the mystery of Gustave’s conduct, many a pleasant dream hovered that night around his pillow.

As the usual hour of Gustave’s visit approached next day, De Vlierbeck’s heart beat high with hope; and when the visitor appeared, clad with unusual neatness and care, the old gentleman welcomed him with more than ordinary warmth.  After the compliments of the day had been paid to his ladylove, Gustave expressed a desire for a few moments’ conversation with her father, who led him into an adjoining cabinet and seated himself by his side.

“What is it you wish of me, my young friend?” said he, kindly.

Gustave was silent for a moment, as if endeavoring to rally his ideas, and then spoke out in a manly way:—­

“I am about, my dear sir, to speak to you in regard to a matter that concerns my happiness; and, no matter what may be your decision, I am sure, from your kindness upon all occasions, that you will pardon 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 have asked your consent long ago, before she obtained so complete a dominion over my heart; but I have always secretly encouraged the belief that you read my soul and wore not displeased with my motives.”

Gustave was silent, awaiting the hoped-for words of encouragement; but De Vlierbeck only looked at him with a gentle smile, and gave no other indication of his pleasure.  A motion of the hand, as if he wished the lover to go on with his conversation, was the only sign he made in reply,

Gustave’s resolution began to ebb at this discouraging by-play; but, summoning all his energy for another attack, he continued:—­

“Yes, sir, I have loved Lenora from my first sight of her; but what was then a spark is now a flame.  Don’t think it is her loveliness alone that bewitched me.  She might indeed enchant the most insensible of mankind; but I found a far more glorious treasure in the angelic heart of your daughter.  Her virtue, the immaculate purity of her soul, her 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 with despair.  I long to be with her every day, every hour; I long to hear her voice and read my happiness in her eloquent eyes!  I know not what may be your decision; but, believe me, if it shall be adverse to my hopes, I shall not long survive the blow.  If your decree separate, me from my beloved Lenora, life will no longer have a charm for me!”