"Where are you going?"
"To hide myself."
"No, no, it is unnecessary for you to hide. Why not tell the whole truth?"
"O Blanche, if anyone finds me with you—at night?"
"Well, what of it? We have done nothing wrong. It is much better to confess everything at once than to lie about it," and the lovely child ran to the door, drew the bolt and opened to the barber. The latter darted into the room. His first looks were bent on Urbain, who was standing by the hearth. Touquet only looked at him for a moment, for he had instantly recognized the young bachelor, and drawing his sword he rushed upon him, crying,—
"Scoundrel! You shall pay with your life for your temerity."
Urbain remained motionless, appearing to brave Touquet's fury, but seeing the homicidal weapon flash, Blanche cried out, and, quick as the barber, ran and placed herself before Urbain, whom she covered with her body; then, lifting her hands towards Touquet, she cried with an accent which came from her heart,—
"O monsieur, he has done nothing wrong."
The barber's weapon nearly grazed Blanche's bosom, but the young girl's accents were so touching, her sweet features wore an expression so noble, that the barber himself could not resist her. His anger seemed vanquished. He dropped his sword, and said in a less gloomy voice,—
"This man has outraged you, and you don't wish me to avenge you? You ask me to pardon him? Very well, I shall not strike."