that is the secret ; you know it  there Ue8 
the charm." 



504 NATHALIE. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

The Canoness sat alone in her boudoir. She had been 
reading in her prayer-book, but it now lay closed on the table 
near her. She wept slowly ; tears come not in old age with the 
same rapid gush with which they flow in youth. She felt sad 
and lonely. Her deafness had increased of late, and as she 
sat facing the window with her back to the door, she did not 
know that any one had entered, until her nephew stood by her 
chair. He took her hand, kissed it, and sat down by her side. 
Their intercourse had been cold and constrained of late ; she 
felt this proof of returning aflfection, for her voice trembled a 
little as she said : 

" How kind of you to come, Armand ! I felt so dull." 

" Your life is dull, aunt ; you wordnetdesire some one  a companion." 

The Canoness shook her head ; her face became obscured. 
' She wanted no companion." 

" Yes, aunt, you do ; and I have found one for you." 

" Indeed," she shortly replied. 

" Yes, you will be charmed with the person I have chosen 
for you.