"Well, then," said Claire, "be joyous and cheerful, as you naturally are."
"Why do not you do the same?"
"See, I am laughing."
"And that sigh?"
"The sigh, my dearest, is for the poor wretch who pays for our joy with his life."
"Yes, yes, you are right! Oh! why can you not take me away with you at this moment? Come, my good angel, open your wings and fly away with me!"
"Patience, patience! my beloved husband! To-morrow I will carry you—where? I neither know nor care—to the paradise of our love. Meanwhile I am here."
Canolles took her in his arms and strained her to his breast. She threw her arms around his neck and lay unresistingly, trembling with agitation, against that heart, which was scarcely beating, so oppressed was it by conflicting emotions.
Suddenly, for the second time, a heart-breaking sob shook her frame, and happy as she was, her tears fell thick and fast upon Canolles' face.
"Well, well!" said he, "is this your cheerfulness, my poor dear angel?"