'You are not speaking the truth, captain. Among all living creatures, you are the only one who could dare to conceive a doubt on this subject. You,' he continued, in a hollow and moaning tone of voice, as if the words he were uttering could with difficulty pass his lips--'you, who love her, and whom--she loves in return.'
Krusé was speechless for a moment, while Gregers was making visible and violent efforts to regain his composure.
'Now I understand him,' he thought; 'he has found everything out, and intends to murder me.'
This thought had scarcely entered his mind when it took the shape of a conviction. In the deep silence now reigning in the tent, he heard the general's suppressed groans as he drew his breath heavily, and saw the arm by which he supported himself as he leaned it on the table, tremble.
'What answer have you to give me?' inquired the general.
Krusé raised his head:
'It is true what you say, general. I do love her.'
The admission did not make the slightest alteration in the expression of the general's countenance, as Krusé had expected it would have done.
'How long ago did your love for her commence?' he asked.
'I have loved Jeanné Rysé since my childhood. She was the first, the only one I ever loved--the only one I ever will love. And now, general! After this confession, I wait to hear what further you have to say to me. I see that you have prepared for what was to happen,' he added, glancing towards the pistols which lay on the table. 'I have been long expecting it, and, when you came into my tent, I anticipated that what sooner or later must end thus was close at hand.'