OR THE DESERT ISLAND. 143

“ Our separation !” exclaimed the astonished Charles;
“are you then disposed to remain here and play the part
of a Robinson Crusoe ?”

“No; that is by no means my intention,” rejoined the
melancholy Merville, “although perhaps it might be the
best thing I could do; for the etiquette of society will se-
parate us as effectually as my remaining here would do.”

“Is that all? cried the count; “and amI so dear to
you ?”

The tears trickled down the cheeks of Philip. The
count clasped his hand with the most ardent affection,

‘Courage, comrade,” he said ; “our hearts are too closely
united ever to be separated by the cold formalities of the
world.”

Thus saying, he ran to the shore, and beheld with joy
a boat swiftly rowing towards him.