"But, Mademoiselle Carmen," said Gontram, "you know you can rely on me!"
For a time they were both silent.
"Listen to me," she finally said; "I hope you will not misunderstand me. Monsieur Gontram, I know that you are a brave, honest man. When you kissed me on the little balcony three days ago, I felt that you regarded it as a—silent engagement?"
"Yes!" cried Gontram.
"And yet," said Carmen, slowly, "you postponed asking Monsieur de Larsagny for my hand."
"I did not dare—"
"Thank God that you did not do it," cried Carmen, breathing more freely. "No, Gontram, I can never—never be your wife!"
Gontram sprang up.
"Impossible, Carmen!" he cried, passionately. "Tell me that you are joking!"
"No, Gontram, I am not joking," said Carmen, earnestly. "I can never become your wife. Only an honest girl has the right to put her hand in yours."