She replied only by trembling.
“Don’t be frightened,” said Raynal, in a tone not very reassuring. “I propose an armistice.”
“I am at your disposal, sir,” said Josephine, now assuming a calmness that was belied by the long swell of her heaving bosom.
“Of course you look on me as an enemy.”
“How can I do otherwise, sir? yet perhaps I ought not. You did not know us. You just wanted an estate, I suppose—and—oh!”
“Well, don’t cry; and let us come to the point, since I am a man of few words.”
“If you please, sir. My mother may miss me.”
“Well, I was in position on your flank when the notary delivered his fire. And I saw the old woman’s distress.”
“Ah, sir!”
“When you came flying out I followed to say a good word to you. I could not catch you. I listened while you prayed to the Virgin. That was not a soldier-like trick, you will say. I confess it.”