But wisdom is often the fruit of experience, and Bathilde had had none.
She opened Léodgard's letter with a trembling hand, and eagerly read these words:
"CHARMING BATHILDE:
"Need I tell you that I love you, that from the moment I first saw you your cherished image has not gone from my memory and my heart? You must know who I am: your friend Ambroisine called me by name before you, but she has slandered me if she has told you that I am incapable of keeping my faith.
"I shall love you always, Bathilde; because my love is sincere, because you are the first woman who ever caused me to know a genuine passion.
"You will say, perhaps, that too great a distance separates us, that my name, my rank, keep us apart.—But only tell me that you love me a little, and I will find a way to remove all obstacles. What does it matter to me in what station of life you were born? In my eyes, you are far above the grandes dames of the court.
"My fortune, my name—I lay everything at your feet! Yes, before God, I swear to take you for my wife!
"But come to your balcony, do not fly at night when I come near; and, in pity's name, grant a few moments' interview to one who will die if you refuse to love him.
"LÉODGARD DE MARVEJOLS."
Such a loving, ardent note was certain to make great ravages in an inexperienced heart, in a heart which was conscious of a craving to love. Love travels fast when it follows an unbeaten path.