"How gallant he is to my sister!" said Fanny to herself, as Gustave escorted Adolphine to the door. "Well! we'll see about it!"
"We are alone, madame, and I am listening," said Gustave.
Instantly Fanny threw herself at the young man's feet, crying in a tone which she tried to make heart-rending:
"Gustave! forgive me! Oh! in pity's name, forgive me, or I shall die here at your feet!"
"Rise, madame, I beg; I do not understand this scene at all."
"Ah! you do not choose to understand me; but I will not shrink from accusing myself! Yes, I was guilty, very guilty! Ambition, the longing to bear a title, had turned my head. I did not know what I was doing; I was mad. You must know that it was not love which attracted me to the count. Poor man! No, I have never loved but one man, and that man—was you; yes, you—despite my idiotic conduct. And then—I don't know—but the last time that you found fault with me, it seemed to me that you were jealous. I am too sensitive; I lost my temper all of a sudden. But, I tell you again, I didn't know what I was doing! Gustave! my dear Gustave! I will not rise until you have granted my pardon!"
"Have you said all that you have to say, madame?" rejoined Gustave, with a calmness which disconcerted the little widow and induced her to rise.
"Yes, of course. I think that I have fully expressed my regret and my remorse, at least."
"Very well, madame, your wish is gratified; I forgive you—all the more freely, because, by not marrying me, you actually did me a very great service."
"What do you mean by that, monsieur? Surely that answer of yours is far from gallant."