I hesitated for some time whether I should let her know who her overseer was. When she should ascertain that he was the fellow who had wounded me on the boat, and who but for me would have taken away her chances of safety, I felt certain she would insist upon getting rid of him at all risks.
For a moment I reflected upon the consequences. “She will never be safe,” thought I, “with such a ruffian at her side. Better for her to make stand at once.” Under this belief I boldly came out with the information.
She seemed astounded, and clasping her hands, remained for some moments in an attitude of mute agony. At length she cried out—
“Gayarre—Gayarre! it is you, Monsieur Gayarre! Oh! mon Dieu! mon Dieu! Where is my father? where is Antoine? God have mercy upon me!”
The expression of grief upon her lovely countenance went to my heart. She looked an angel of sorrow, sad but beautiful.
I interrupted her with consolatory phrases of the ordinary kind. Though I could only guess the nature of her sorrow, she listened to me patiently, and I fancied that what I said gave her pleasure.
Taking courage from this, I proceeded to inquire more particularly the cause of her grief. “Mademoiselle,” said I, “you will pardon the liberty I am taking; but for some time I have observed, or fancied, that you have a cause of—of—unhappiness—”
She fixed her eyes upon me in a gaze of silent wonder. I hesitated a moment under this strange regard, and then continued—
“Pardon me, Mademoiselle, if I speak too boldly; I assure you my motive—”
“Speak on, Monsieur!” she said, in a calm sad voice.