"Very well, madame," said I. "Then, out of a punctilio, you will destroy, not only yourself, but me. Do I deserve this?"
At this, tears started to her eyes. She submitted.
"Oh, sir," she murmured, "what can I say? It's for your sake that I refuse. I will submit. God bless you—who sent you to my help! God forever bless you!"
I said nothing.
On and on!
Then her steps grew feebler—then her weight rested on me more heavily.
On and on!
She staggered, and low moans succeeded to her heavy panting. At last, with a cry of despair, she fell forward.
I caught her in my arms, and held her up.
"Leave me!" she said, in a faint voice. "I cannot walk any farther."