"Poor child! Suppose that some day she should learn—that somebody should tell her that her father—— She would curse me, perhaps!—Oh! the mere thought is terrible! it is my most cruel punishment!"
And Léodgard would remain as if crushed by his thoughts; but Blanche, unable to understand why her father had suddenly turned his back on her, would run to him and take his hand, saying in her sweet voice:
"Papa, don't you love Blanche any more?"
The little angel's tones very soon made their way to her father's heart, and, like a ray of sunshine, dissipated the storm that had gathered there.
XLIX
WOMAN CHANGES
"Woman's moods are light as air;
Foolish he who trusts the fair!"
After his duel with Léodgard, the Marquis de Santoval returned to his hôtel and went at once to his wife, who was anxiously awaiting the result of the meeting, which she herself had brought about, between the count and her husband.
When the marquis appeared with a triumphant air, Valentine was conscious of a thrill of horror which went to her heart.
"You are avenged, madame, completely avenged!" said Monsieur de Santoval, as he saluted his wife.
"Ah! I was very anxious, monsieur!"