"You are uneasy, I understand. To conspire is to stake your life; but be easy, Gaston—I have told the duke that if you die I shall die too."
Gaston started.
"You are an angel," said he.
"Oh, my God!" cried poor Helene, "how horrible to know that the man I love runs a danger—all the more terrible for being uncertain; to feel that I am powerless to aid him, and that I can only shed tears when I would give my life to save him."
Gaston's face lit up with a flush of joy; it was the first time that he had ever heard such words from the lips of his beloved; and under the influence of an idea which had been occupying him for some minutes—
"Yes, dearest," said he, taking her hand, "you can do much for me."
"What can I do?"
"You can become my wife."
Helene started.
"I your wife, Gaston?" cried she.