“People were coming down the road.
“‘Compose yourself,’ I said.
“She made an effort to control her emotion. The people passed us, saluting politely. And after a moment she said again,—
“‘Well, and when is the wedding?’
“I trembled. She herself insisted upon an explanation.
“‘No day has as yet been fixed,’ I replied. ‘Had I not to see you first? You uttered once grave threats.’
“‘And you were afraid?’
“‘No: I was sure I knew you too well to fear that you would punish me for having loved you, as if that had been a crime. So many things have happened since the day when you made those threats!’
“‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘many things indeed! My poor father is incorrigible. Once more he has committed himself fearfully; and once more my husband has been compelled to sacrifice a large sum to save him. Ah, Count Claudieuse has a noble heart; and it is a great pity I should be the only one towards whom he has failed to show generosity. Every kindness which he shows me is a new grievance for me; but, having accepted them all, I have forfeited the right to strike him, as I had intended to do. You may marry Dionysia, Jacques; you have nothing to fear from me.’
“Ah! I had not hoped for so much, Magloire. Overcome with joy, I seized her hand, and raising it to my lips, I said,—