It was my mistake."
As they went on again Maurice whispered to his cousin, "You know,
Esperance, you have it in your power to make that man happy for ever.
I can see it. Why it seems to be almost a duty. It will be like
offending Providence to refuse the wonderful future that lies open
before you."
Esperance was very thoughtful, but her gay spirits returned when they
arrived at the "Five Divisions of the World." The little cortege
climbed the narrow staircase, crossed the little ante-chamber which
opened on the opposite side on a court cut out of the rock. Each room
had a door on this natural court. Stopping before the last door, on
which was written "Oceania," the young people bowed before the Count.
"Behold the prison of your Highness!"
When he was left alone the Count examined his surroundings. His simple
chamber seemed to him sumptuous. He smelt the flowers on the
mantelpiece, half suspecting that they were an attention of the young
girls. The wreath suspended from the ceiling made him smile. It had
been hung there in his honour, there could be no doubt about that.
There was a knock on the door. Marguerite entered, followed by the
farmer bringing the trunk and the osier basket.
He stopped the old servant as she was going out. "Wait a moment and
help me, please."
He cut the string which held the basket and took out four bouquets as
fresh as if they had just been gathered.
"See, Marguerite, the name is pinned on each bouquet; be so good as to
give them to the ladies.
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