"Father, at any rate I am not yet ready to be a woman; the time may come, soon or late, I will make no promises. At present let it be as I have said. The Baron is offended and would fight—volontiers! I am ready; he shall fight Michel for Louise!"
Louise laughed gaily and ran from the room. She hastened to her own chamber, where she quickly donned her own dress, the fencing costume of old days when she still acted as her father's assistant. All this occupied some time, and Henri's patience was almost exhausted when at last she opened the door and presented herself before him.
D'Estreville caught the girl in his arms and covered her face with kisses. Louise abandoned herself to his embraces, making no effort to resist, and conscious of no desire to do so. On the contrary, she felt in that precious moment that she wished for nothing better in this world, no greater happiness, no more perfect peace than to belong body and soul to this man. D'Estreville let her go presently.
"Thanks be to God, you love me then, after all," he murmured.
"Did you then doubt it?" she whispered.
"Louise, there have been doubts and mysteries; tell me, you are acquainted with one Michel Prevost?"
Louise flushed. "I know Michel very, very, very well," she replied, smiling.
"Come, explain—there is a mystery, but I think I have a clue! Confess, you have a brother or a near relation—now that I see you, I am impressed the more with the likeness between you and this good fellow! If I am wrong, then who—in Heaven's name—is this Prevost whom you know so well and who reminds me so strongly of you?"
"Not a brother—a relative, yes; he loves me, Henri—nay, do not speak—he loves you also, mon ami; he would not have us parted," Louise laughed hysterically. "Do not fear, he shall never be dearer to me than now, and that is not so dear as you, not by—oh, oh! so many miles!"
"I see—I see! Good; I am content. They told me you were dead, my beloved—imagine my despair. Why was I deceived?"