"Time is precious," continued the viscountess; "surrender. I offer you life and honor, for I give you the excuse that you were surprised by treachery."
"Let me fly, then; I will lay my sword at the king's feet, and beseech him to give me an opportunity to have my revenge."
"You shall not fly."
"Why not?"
"Because I can live in this way no longer; because I cannot live apart from you; because I love you."
"I surrender! I surrender!" cried Canolles, throwing himself at Madame de Cambes' knees, and hurling away the torch she still held in her hand.
"Ah!" she murmured, "now I have him, and no one can take him away from me again."
There was one very peculiar thing, which is capable of explanation, however; namely, that love acted so differently upon these two women.
Madame de Cambes, shy, timid, and gentle by nature, had become resolute, bold, and strong.
Nanon, capricious and wilful, had become shy, timid, and gentle.