Note: Translated by an unknown hand. This translation begins: ""Speak on, sir. I am listening." "Sir, I have the honor of asking you for the hand of your daughter, Miss Watkins!" "The hand of Alice?" "Yes, sir. My request seems to surprise you, but you will excuse me if I say that I am at a loss to understand why it should appear extraordinary. I am twenty-six years old, my name is Cyprien Mere. I am a mining engineer, having graduated from the Polytechnic School, second in my class; my family is honorable, and respected, if they are not rich.""