"I insist!"
In an instant La Louve, who had quickly flown at her lover's second command, returned wrapped in a plaid mantle.
"To think you ran the risk of drowning yourself,—and all for me!" resumed Martial, gazing on her with enthusiastic delight.
"Oh, no, not altogether for you. A poor girl was nearly perishing in the river, and I saved her as I landed."
"Saved her also. And where is she?"
"Below with the children, who are taking care of her."
"And who is she?"
"Oh, dear, you can scarcely credit what a singular and lucky chance brought me to her rescue! She was one of my companions at St. Lazare,—a most extraordinary sort of girl. Oh, you don't half know—"
"How so?"
"Only conceive my both hating and loving her; for she had introduced happiness and death into my heart and thoughts."