"There would be food for scandal."
"Do you think, Maurice, that I should believe—"
"Oh, let us say no more," said the young man.
"But why did you write this instead of telling it to me, Maurice?"
"Just to avoid the scene of this moment."
"And are you vexed, Maurice, that I respected you sufficiently to demand an explanation?"
"No; on the contrary, I swear I am glad to have seen you once again before our final separation."
"Our final separation, Citizen! you whom we esteem so much!" taking Maurice's hand and pressing it between his own.
Maurice started.