"It is the last remnant of my sorrow."
As she spoke the door opened, and the same officer announced that the half-hour had expired.
"Adieu!" whispered Canolles; "or rather hide me in the folds of your cloak, and take me with you!"
"Hush, dear love!" she replied, in a low tone, "for you break my heart! Do you not see that I am dying with longing to do it? Be patient for your own sake, and for mine. In a few hours we shall meet again never to part."
"I am patient," said Canolles, joyfully, completely comforted by this assurance; "but we must part now. Courage, my dear, and let us say adieu. Adieu, Claire, adieu!"
"Adieu!" said she, trying to smile; "ad—"
But she could not complete the cruel word. For the third time her voice was stifled with sobs.
"Adieu! adieu!" cried Canolles, seizing her in his arms anew, and covering her brow with burning kisses, "adieu!"
"The devil!" muttered the officer, "luckily I know that the poor fellow has no great reason to fear, or this scene would break my heart!"
He escorted Claire to the door and then returned.