"But I cannot leave you all alone like this."
He took Esperance's hand, and it seemed to him that warmth came back into it.
Esperance opened her eyes. Still half unconscious, she looked at him curiously, then she cried sharply out, "Have mercy, go away, go away!"
And she gave way to hysterical sobs.
The Duke said humbly, "I will leave you."
And then kneeling before her, "Forgive me, I am going; I am leaving you … but I entreat you to forgive me."
He was sincere in what he said. Both girls felt it.
Esperance had risen gently.
"I am betrothed to Count Styvens," she said. "You know that. I know that my emotion just now was foolish, but I am sick at heart and I am not always able to control myself. You are good, I see that. Please help me to cure myself. I will be grateful to you all my life."
"I give you my word…." his voice trembled. "I will make myself…." and he went away.