“Oh!” cried Paul, bowing profoundly, “allow me to adore you.”
“Sir!” murmured Marguerite, “sir!”
“As a sister! as a sister!”
“Yes, you are indeed kind and good,” cried Marguerite, “and I believe it is God who sent you to my aid.”
“Believe it,” replied Paul. “Then—to-morrow evening.”
“Do not be astonished, nor alarmed at anything that may occur, only contrive to let me know by letter, by a word, a sign, the result of your interview with Lectoure!”
“I will endeavor to do so.”
“It is now late, and your servant may be surprised at the length of this interview. Return to the castle, and say not a word of me to any one. Farewell!”
“Farewell,” reiterated Marguerite; “you to whom I know not what name to give.”
“Call me your brother.”