Did Duvallon know the vile traffic of Belmont, or had he, too, been deceived by him?
All these thoughts and questions rushed confusedly through my mind, and excited me so much that I left the farm much earlier than usual, under the pretext of a headache. Marie and her aunt were annoyed and worried by my sudden departure.
Thus the day, which was to have been a little fête to us, ended very sadly.
What ought I to do?
I love Marie with all the strength of my soul. It would be no crime to carry her off from Belmont, that brigand, that assassin; it would be a noble and generous action.
Marie has been basely deceived. Her family thought they were uniting her to a brave and honest sailor, and not to a vile murderer. This marriage is void, in the name of reason and honour.
It should also be null in the sight of men! This very day I will tell everything to these unhappy women.
But will they believe what I have to say? What proof can I give them of my truthfulness?
And then there would be, in such a denunciation on my part, something low and mean, which is revolting.
After all, Marie is the legitimate wife of Belmont. I am in love with Marie. Such a love almost puts that man on a level with me.