"
"I forgive you, monsieur."
But still he lingered. "I am only a poor devil of a lieutenant,"
he resumed, "with no other fortune than my epaulettes, no other
prospects than an uncertain advancement. I have been foolish and
thoughtless. I have committed many acts of folly; but there is
nothing in my past life for which I have cause to blush." He
looked fixedly at Mademoiselle Marguerite, as if he were striving
to read her inmost soul; and in a solemn tone, that contrasted
strangely with his usual levity of manner, he added: "If the name
I bear should ever be compromised, my prospects would be blighted
forever! The only course left for me would be to tender my
resignation. I will leave nothing undone to preserve my honor in
the eyes of the world, and to right those who have been wronged.
Promise me not to interfere with my plans."
Mademoiselle Marguerite trembled like a leaf. She now realized
her terrible imprudence. He had divined everything. As she
remained silent, he continued wildly: "I entreat you. Do you wish
me to beg you at your feet?"
Ah! it was a terrible sacrifice that he demanded of her. But how
could she remain obdurate in the presence of such intense anguish?
"I will remain neutral," she replied, "that is all I can promise.
Providence shall decide."
"Thank you," he said, sadly, suspecting that perhaps it was
already too late--"thank you.
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