The speech alarmed Monsieur and Madame Fontaine. The old Vendeen had
ceased to be so indifferent to his daughter's prospects as he had
promised to be. He went to Paris to seek information, and found none.
Uneasy at this mystery, and not yet knowing what might be the outcome
of the inquiry which he had begged a Paris friend to institute with
reference to the family of Longueville, he thought it his duty to warn
his daughter to behave prudently. The fatherly admonition was received
with mock submission spiced with irony.
"At least, my dear Emilie, if you love him, do not own it to him."
"My dear father, I certainly do love him; but I will await your
permission before I tell him so."
"But remember, Emilie, you know nothing of his family or his
pursuits."
"I may be ignorant, but I am content to be. But, father, you wished to
see me married; you left me at liberty to make my choice; my choice is
irrevocably made--what more is needful?"
"It is needful to ascertain, my dear, whether the man of your choice
is the son of a peer of France," the venerable gentleman retorted
sarcastically.
Emilie was silent for a moment. She presently raised her head, looked
at her father, and said somewhat anxiously, "Are not the
Longuevilles----?"
"They became extinct in the person of the old Duc de Rostein-Limbourg,
who perished on the scaffold in 1793. He was the last representative
of the last and younger branch.
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