"Papa," she said, "will you allow me to ask you a favor?"
Sieur Sarpy felt a twinge in his heart, and his lips contracted. Zulma noticed his emotion and immediately added:—
"I know that you are feeble, papa, and must not bear excitement, but what I have to ask you is simple and easy of accomplishment. Besides, I will leave you to judge and abide unreservedly by your decision."
Sieur Sarpy took his daughter's hand in his and replied:
"Speak, my dear, you know that I can refuse you nothing."
"You have resolved to be neutral in this war."
"That was my intention."
"Did you come to this resolution solely for your own sake?"
"For your sake and mine, dear. I am old and infirm, and cannot take part in the struggles of strong men. You are young and I must guard your future."
Zulma remained silent for a few moments, as if she could find no further words to say. Her father, observing her embarrassment, brought back the conversation to its original drift, by inquiring into the nature of the demand which she had intended to make.