"Now, alas!" he continued, "I have measured the distance that lies between us, and I know that you are happily betrothed to a noble count."
"Happily!" interposed Colombe, with a bitter smile.
"What! you do not love the count! Great God! Pray tell me, is he not worthy of you?"
"He is rich and powerful, far above me: but you have seen him?"
"No, and I was afraid to inquire. Besides, I cannot say why, but I felt certain that he was young and attractive, and that he was agreeable to you."
"He is older than my father, and he frightens me," said Colombe, hiding her faee in her hands with a gesture of abhorrence which she could not repress.
Ascanio, beside himself with joy, fell on his knees, with clasped hands, pale as death, his eyes half closed, but a sublime light shone out from beneath his eyelids, and a smile fit to rejoice God's heart played about his colorless lips.
"What is the matter, Ascanio?" said Colombe in alarm.