“But she will think I have forgotten her, and accuse me of being a coward.”
“To save her.”
“Can a woman forgive him who abandons her?”
“Do not judge her like others.”
“I believe her great and strong. I love her for her courage and her noble heart. She may count on me, as I do on her. Once more I will see her, lay bare my heart to her; and whatever she then commands, I will sacredly obey.”
Jeanne rose. “Go, then,” said she, “but go alone. I have thrown the key of the park into the river. You can go to Versailles—I shall go to Switzerland or Holland. The further off I am when the shell bursts the better.”
“Countess, you abandon me. With whom shall I talk of her?”
“Oh! you have the park and the echoes. You can teach them her name!”
“Countess, pity me; I am in despair.”
“Well, but do not act in so childish and dangerous a manner. If you love her so much, guard her name, and if you are not totally without gratitude, do not involve in your own ruin those who have served you through friendship. Swear to me not to attempt to see or speak to her for a fortnight, and I will remain, and may yet be of service to you. But if you decide to brave all, I shall leave at once, and you must extricate yourself as you can.”