The Cup of Trembling and Other Stories

Excerpt: ... acquiesced, smiling at her warmth. "I trust, friend Charles, it has been given thee happily to disprove it in thy own person." "On the contrary," said Charles Ludovic, "if I am not the unluckiest of my name, I hope there may never be another." He spoke with such conviction, such energy of sadness, only silence could follow the words. Then the old gentleman said, most gently and ruefully: