"Where are we to go?" asked Helene; "but you need not reply—if you know, it is sufficient."
"Helene," said Gaston, "I will not insult you by swearing to respect your honor; the offer which you have made to-day I have long hesitated to make—rich, happy, sure for the present of fortune and happiness, I would have placed all at your feet, trusting to God for the future; but at this moment I must tell you, that you were not mistaken; from day to day, from this day to the next, there is a chance of a terrible event. I must tell you now, Helene, what I can offer you. If I succeed, a high and powerful position; but if I fail, flight, exile, it may be poverty. Do you love me enough, Helene, or rather do you love your honor enough, to brave all this and follow me?"
"I am ready, Gaston; tell me to follow you, and I do so."
"Well, Helene, your confidence shall not be displaced, believe me; I will take you to a person who will protect you, if necessary, and who, in my absence, will replace the father you thought to find, but whom you have, on the contrary, lost a second time."
"Who is this person, Gaston? This is not distrust," added Helene, with a charming smile, "but curiosity."
"Some one who can refuse me nothing, Helene, whose days are dependent on mine, and who will think I demand small payment when I exact your peace and security."
"Still mysterious, Gaston: really, you frighten me."
"This secret is the last, Helene; from this moment my whole life will be open to you."
"I thank you, Gaston."
"And now I am at your orders, Helene."