THE YELLOW ROSES. 325 



" ' Because I wish to be married.' 



"'Bah!' 



" ' It is very well for you to say, Bah ! I am in love ! ' 



" ' Do you call that a misfortune, you ungrateful young 

 scoundrel? Why, I should like to be in love myself, over 

 head and ears. And, pray who is the object of such a bril- 

 liant flame ? ' 



" ' Dear uncle, she is an angel ! ' 



" ' Oh ! I knew that before; it is always an angel. In a 

 little time you will love a woman better than an angeL But 

 what earthly name does this angel reply to ? ' 



" ' Her name, uncle, is Nogmi.' 



" ' That 's not what I asked you. NoSmi ; that 's all your 

 own, — it 's a pretty name, though. But for me, who want to 

 know who this angel is, and to what family she belongs, 

 a family name is necessary.' 



" ' It is Mademoiselle Amelot, uncle.' 



" ' Indeed ! that 's better than an angel ! A tall, slender, 

 graceful brunette, with eyes of black velvet. I can't say 

 I disapprove of the object at all,' 



" ' Ah ! dear uncle, if you did but know her mind and 

 heart ! ' 



" ' Ah, yes ! I know all about that. And thou art paid in 

 return, as we used to say formerly ? Is that the phrase with 

 you fellows, now-a-days?' 

 1 " ' Eeally, uncle, I do not know.' 



" ' Not know ! thou nephew unworthy of thine uncle ! 

 You are every day creeping into the house, and don't know 

 whether you are loved ! ' 



" ' She does not even know that I love her, uncle.' 



" ' Oh ! in that respect you are deceived, fair nephew; and 

 show that you understand nothing of the matter. She knew 

 you loved her, at least a quarter of an hour before you knew 

 it yourself 



" ' Uncle, all that I know is, that I shall kill myself, if she 

 be not mine.' 



" ' Oh, oh ! as strong as that, fair nephew, is it 1 Humph ! 

 there are many chances against her being yours. Your father 

 is much richer than hers, and wUl not bestow his son upon 

 her.' 



