Page 281 (1/1)

The artist who could have depicted the expression of these two countenances would certainly have etic resolution, which Albert did not fear on his own account, alar?" asked he

"What were you doing?" replied she

"Oh, my mother!" exclaimed Albert, so overcome he could scarcely speak; "it is not the same with you and me--you cannot have made the same resolution I have, for I have come to warn you that I bid adieu to your house, and--and to you"

"I also," replied Mercedes, "a me; have I deceived myself?"

"Mother," said Albert with firmness "I cannot make you share the fate I have planned for myself I in this hard apprenticeship I must borrow from a friend the loaf I shall eat until I have earned one So,at once to ask Franz to lend me the small sum I shall require to supply my present wants"

"You, er? Oh, do not say so; it will break my resolutions"

"But not ; I believe I aeous, and since yesterday I have learned the power of will Alas, my dear mother, some have suffered so much, and yet live, and have raised a new fortune on the ruin of all the proiven theulf in which their eneor and glory that in their turn they have ruled their former conquerors, and have punished them No, mother; fro from it--not even a name, because you can understand that your son cannot bear the naht to blush for it before another"

"Albert, er heart, that is the counsel I would have given you; your conscience has spoken when my voice became too weak; listen to its dictates You had friends, Albert; break off their acquaintance But do not despair; you have life before you, my dear Albert, for you are yet scarcely twenty-two years old; and as a pure heart like yours wants a spotless name, take my father's--it was Herrera I am sure, my dear Albert, whatever may be your career, you will soon render that name illustrious Then, my son, return to the world still more brilliant because of your for, still let me cherish these hopes, for I have no future to look forward to For rave opens when I pass the threshold of this house"