The Guardian Angel by Paul de Kock

The Guardian Angel

A Chapter from "Zizine"

by

Paul de Kock

Edward never passed a day without going to Madame Dolbert's;

the good lady received him as a man to whom she hoped one day to

give the name of son, and Stephanie with that sweet smile which

betrayed to all eyes the inmost secret of her heart.

But it was not thus that the lover of Stephanie desired to be

loved. Conducting himself before the world with an extreme

reserve, it was only in private, and in low whispers, and when

removed from the vigilance of her grandmother, that Edward spoke

to the young girl of love; but then his words were burning, and

his eyes had an expression which compelled Stephanie to avert her

own; his caressing hands sought always to approach her -- to touch

the robe, the arm, or the knee of the young girl, who sometimes

found herself suddenly embraced, and pressed warmly to a heart

that was beating rapidly with the most ardent desires.

Stephanie responded with an undisguis...