"Time for what?" rejoined Canolles, trying to smile, and to ward off a great disaster by a jest.
"Time to keep the promise you gave me."
"Ah! madame," said Canolles, sadly, "you forget nothing, do you?"
"Perhaps I might have forgotten, like yourself; but here is something that refreshes my memory;" and she took from her pocket a letter that was handed her just as they took their seats at the table.
"From whom is that letter?" queried Canolles.
"From Madame la Princesse, who bids me join her."
"I understand that this is a mere pretext! I am grateful to you for showing me such consideration."
"Make no mistake, Monsieur de Canolles," rejoined the viscountess, taking no pains to conceal her sadness. "Had I not received this letter, I should have reminded you of your promise at the proper time, just as I have done now. Do you think that the people about us can much longer avoid detecting the understanding between us? Our relations, you will agree, are not those of a persecuted princess with her persecutor. But if this separation is so painful to you as you pretend, let me tell you, Monsieur le Baron, that it rests with you to make it unnecessary that we should separate."
"Say what you mean! oh, say!" cried Canolles.
"Do you not guess?"