CONCLUSION.
Thus ended the life of the unhappy Ernest.
But few knew the cause of his despair,
his fatal resolution, and his death. M. Du
val, his father, concealed the truth from his
laughter, and vainly strove to banish it from
his own bosom. But remorse and repentance
were his portion during the remainder
of his life. The memory of Virginie Lordilliere,
of the fruit of her dishonor, and of
their wrongs, was destined to rest like an
incubus upon his soul.
But the punishment of the father descended
not to his daughter. She was happy
with the man of her choice, never dreaming
that the unhappy Ernest was her brother.
Long did Maurice mourn for his friend;
and even after the first burst of grief was
passed, he went frequently with his young
and beautiful wife to shed tears of sorrow
over his grave.
The inscription Ernest requested should
be carved upon his tombstone was as follows:
'IL FIT LE MALHEUR DES SIENS;
LE DESESPOIR LUI DONNA CONSEIL,
IL SE SUICIDA.'
THE END.
