Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-05-10
CHAPTER XXI.
Explanations.

CHAPTER XXI.
Explanations.
Since Candles had arrived in Bor-
deaux, he had passed through many
torments Of an unhappy love. He had
seen Claire courted, and followed,
without being able to take his own
place by her. and had had no conso-
lation, except a stolen glance now and
then.
After the scene in the cave, and the
ardent words of the yicOmteSse, this
state Of things seemed not luke warm,
but freezing. Still, he knew, through
all, that he was really loved. Thanks
to his promise not to correspond with
out the walls, he was easy, so far,
about NanOn, and as she did not write
to him, he was spared much remorse
on account of his infidelity. Still at
times he felt gloomy, and gave sigh
to Nanon and the joyous past.
Madame de CambeS remarked all
this, and she trembled to leave him
too much to himself. Still she shrank
from avowing her love for him, until
adventures in which she had been en-
gagged had little died away. Lenet had
penetrated her secret, and felt pleased
that the princess would one day gain
so brave a commander
NJ. lie Due de acknowledgements was
quite as clear-sighted, and it would
have been difficult to say from his be-
havior, whether he hated or loved
Madame de Cambes.
Candles passed a restless night, and
rose early. His day passed in doing
nothing, and he was unhappy and i'm
patient At this precise hour he ar
rived at the church, entered the confess
SiOnal, and shut the door after him
An instant after, Claire, wrapped in a
thick cloak, appeared at the door, &C
companied by Pompey, whom she sta
toned outside as sentinel.
"At last, madam, you have had pity
on me-" said Candles.
Il was forced to do so, for you were
running yourself" said Claire, blushing
at is then simply to commiserato
that l owe your presence? You will
allow that 1 have a right to expect
something more"
Let us speak seriously" replied
Claire, in a voice which she vainly
tried to steady. 81 repeat that you
are running yourself by going to M.
Lavis-the sworn enemy of the prin-
no Of AZ 10 T
rochefoucault who knows every thing,
and she made me tremble with these
Words:-'If we have thus to fear plots
from our prisoners, we must substitute
severity for Indulgence; and are pre-
pared not only to take vigorous resO-
buttons, but to execute them"
81 do not serve her highness, madam;
I am yours, that is all. / surrendered
to you alone. You know in what cir
cumstances, and under what condi-
TONS"
II remember no conditions"
Not in words, perhaps, but in heart.
All, madam, after the happiness
hopes you gave me"
DO not" said Claire, ''reproach me
with what L have done chiefly to pre-
serve your honor. Do you not feel
that my sufferings have been as great
as yours? Perhaps they have been
greater, for l have not had the cour-
age any longer to support them. Lis
ten to me, Candles; for my words
come from the heart 1 repeat that l
have suffered more, for [ have had
fear that you could not have; for you
know that L love you alone. In re-
naming here, have you any regret for
another? and in your dreams of fut-
ure, have you any hope which is I'M
connected with me?"
Madam" answered Candles, you
appeal to my frankness, and I will
answer truly. Yes; when you abandon
me to painful reflections when you
leave me alone with the past-when
you avoid me, Or make me purchase so
dearly a word or a smile, of which,
perhaps, 1 may be unwOrthy-then l
sigh that I did not fall in battle; l
reproach myself with having surrend-
cred. 1 have regrets and remorse."
'RemOrSe!"
Yes, madam, remorse. For, as sure
as there is a God in heaven, there is
at this hour a woman who weeps-who
groanS-who would give her life for
me, and who says to herself, notwith-
standing that / am either a coward or
a traitor
"Oh, monsieur"
Yes, madam. Had she not made
me what 1 was? Did 1 not swear to
save herr"
''And you did So"
Yes, from enemies who might have
taken her life, but not from despair
which will lacerate her heart, if she
learns that it was to you that I sur
rendered"
Claire bent her head and sighed |
"Ah, you do not love me-" she said