'When I saw your brother fall,' he
continued, 'I was wild with terror; and not knowing what I did, I
caught you up in my arms and brought you here. But don't tremble,
I know that you are not in my house of your own free will. A
carriage is below and awaits your orders to convey you to your
parents' home. It will be easy to find an explanation for last
night's catastrophe. Slander will not venture to attack such a
family as yours.' He spoke in the constrained tone, and with that
air which a brave man, condemned to death, would assume in giving
utterance to his last wishes. I felt as if I were going mad.
'And you!' I exclaimed, 'you! What will become of you?' He shook
his head, and with a look of anguish, replied: 'Me! What does it
matter about me! I am ruined undoubtedly. So much the better.
Nothing matters now that I must live apart from you'! Ah! he knew
my heart. He knew his power! Swayed by an emotion which was
madness rather than heroism, I sprang toward him, and clasped him
in my arms: 'Then I, too, am lost!' I cried. 'Since fate united
us, nothing but death shall separate us. I love you. I am your
accomplice. Let the curse fall upon both!'
"A keen observer would certainly have detected a gleam of fiendish
joy in his eyes. But he protested, or pretended to protest. With
feigned energy he refused to accept such a sacrifice.
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