"Yes, Helene; this plan, formed in our liberty, may be executed in captivity. Helene, my wife before God and man, in this world and the next, for time and for eternity. You can do this for me, Helene, and am I not right in saying that you can do much?"
"Gaston," said she, looking at him fixedly, "you are hiding something from me."
It was Gaston's turn to start now.
"I!" said he, "what should I conceal from you?"
"You told me you saw M. d'Argenson yesterday?"
"Well, what then?"
"Well, Gaston," said Helene, turning pale, "you are condemned."
Gaston took a sudden resolution.
"Yes," said he, "I am condemned to exile; and, egotist as I am, I would bind you to me by indissoluble ties before I leave France."
"Is that the truth, Gaston?"