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D'RI AND I
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—toujours l'amour. Now I think only of him, and he recalls you and your sweet words. God make you a true prophet! With love to you and the marquis, I kiss each line, praying for happiness for you and for him. Believe me as ever,
"Your affectionate
"Louison.
I read it thrice, and held it for a moment to my lips. Every word stung me with the sweet pain that afflicted its author. I could feel my cheeks burning.
"Ma'm'selle, pardon me; it is not I she refers to. She does not say whom."
"Surely," said Thérèse, flirting her whip and lifting her shoulders. "M'sieur Le Capitaine is never a stupid man. You—you should say something very nice now."
"If it is I—thank God! Her misery is my delight, her liberation my one purpose."