Mauprat
ing an attachment proof against everything. But there is no need to despair; there is still time to say this word, and I do so now: Edmée, I love you more than ever; more than ever I am resolved to offer you my name; will you deign to accept it?"
This note was signed Adhémar de la Marche.
I had scarcely finished reading it when Edmée returned, and came towards the fire-place with an anxious look, as if she had forgotten some precious object. I handed her the letter that I had just read; but she took it absently, and, stooping over the hearth with an air of relief, eagerly seized a crumpled piece of paper which the flames had merely scorched. This was the first answer she had written to M. de la Marche's note, the one she had not judged fit to send.
"Edmée," I said, throwing myself on my knees, "let me see that letter. Whatever it may be, I will submit to the decree dictated by your first impulse."
"You really would? " she asked, with an indefinable expression. "Supposing I loved M. de la Marche, and that I was making a great sacrifice for your sake in refusing him, would you be generous enough to release me from my word?"
I hesitated for a moment. A cold sweat broke out all over me. I looked her full in the face; but her eyes were inscrutable and betrayed no hint of her thoughts. If I had fancied that she really loved me and that she was putting my virtue to the test, I should perhaps have played the hero; but I was afraid of some trap. My passion overmastered me. I felt that I had not the strength to renounce my claim with a good grace; and hypocrisy was repugnant to me. I rose to my feet, trembling with rage.
210
