Gerfaut -- Volume 4

then dropped at her lover's feet. The latter leaped from the divan with out trying to assi

e threshold of the door

husband were fixed, dull, and implacable; those of the lover sparkled with the audacity o

" exclaimed Gerfaut, in a low voice, a

the thrust of a lance would not have been as fearful to the lover. Octave put his poniard in its sh

latter, in a low voice, a

with an irresistible feeling of pity and love; but just as he was about to take her in his arms and place her upon the divan, Bergenheim's hand stopped him. If ther

our orders

sure, the politeness which a good education makes an indelible habit, but which at this moment was more frightful t

thout any aid in this c

of pity," replied the Baron, cold

er and stepped out. The husband followed, without giving a glance at the poor woman whose own words

ence, the picture-gallery, the vestibule, and then mounted the main staircase. They reached the Baron's apartment without meeting anybody or betraying themselves by the slightest sound. With the same outward self-possession

he selfishness of his love. Clemence's last glance as she fell fainting at his feet-a forgiving and a loving glance-was like a dagger in his heart. He had ruined her! the woman he loved! the queen of his life! the angel he ado

site this pale-faced man, upon whose countenance a thousand

his attitude in the presence of this enraged husband. A feeling of self-pride and indignation came to his aid. He put aside remorse and regrets until later; these sad expiations were forbidden him no

d resumed his habitual disdainful look. His eyes returned his enemy's glance of deadly hatred, and he began the co

t outrage and a most deplorable error on your part. I introduced myself into her apartment without her knowledge and without having been authorized in any way to do so. I had just entered it when you arrived. Necessity obliges me to admit a love that is

d Christian, "I will watch

s face assumed an express

lt; I swear to you-What oath can I take that you will believe? I swear that Madame de Bergenheim never has betrayed any of her duties to

his head with

? I was led astray by my passion. I wished to profit by your absence. You know that I have a key to the library; I used it without her suspecting it. Would to God that you could have been a witness

ld do in your place; but this discussion is out of place; let this wom

est that upo

d I know that anything is allowable against a husband. Let us drop this, I beg of you, and return to

a sign of

leaning his elbow negligently upon the man

he; "you have the right to c

ve dishonored my home, you owe me your life for that. If Fate favors you, you will be rid of me, and I shall be

toward Gerfaut, and

le of the room, and, with an equal appearance of sang-froid

Octave, "that I accept in advance whatever you

would arouse suspicion and inevitably lead to a discovery of the truth; people would seek for some plausible motive for the encounter, whatever story we might tell our seconds. You know that there is but one motive which will be found acceptable by society

is?" asked Octave, who could not unde

ight to kill you a moment ago; I did not do so for two reasons: first, a gentleman sho

!" interrupted Gerfaut

y for a moment, and then repli

he same for myself, who never have insulted you, as for you, who have offered me the deadliest i

u have my consent; I have perfect confidence in your

his head slightl

ion: You know that a wild-boar hunt is to take place to-morrow in the Mares woods. When we station ourselves we shall be placed together at a spot I know of, where we shall be out of the sight of the other hunters.

s adversary, and recalled his wonderful skill, of which he had had many and various proofs.

d," said he; "I accept, for I desire as much as you

have forgotten any detail, please remind me of it. The place I speak of is a narrow, well- shaded path. The ground is perfectly level; it lies from north to south, so that at eight o'clock in the morning the sun will be on that side; there will be no advantage in

atters little. Breast

ain with heads covered, although this is not the custom. A ball might strike the head where the cap would be, and if this should hap

e; you are the

mitted, and, since this is in doubt, and I can not

I will not fire first

at whoever has the first shot, shall place himself upon the border of the woods an

from his purse and

y to acquiesce to the least o

e; "but, remember, if at the signal given by me you do not fire, or only fire

hem, taking particular care to show that they were of equal length and the s

ou this injustice

e Baron, in a graver tone, "I have one request to make of you, and I think you are too loyal to refuse it. Swear to me that whatever may be the r

swear to you to keep the secret inviolate. But, supposing a contrary event, I also h

ment, with a searching glance which s

ed, surprised tone; "this is a very strange que

e of it. I have destroyed this woman's happiness forever; if I can not repair this fault, at least I ought to

nt, his sombre eyes

the last words addressed to you that will leave my mouth, and you know that one has to believe a dying man's statement. If tomorrow you avenge yourself, I earnestly beg of you, let this reparation suffice. All my pride is gone, you se

ce failed him, and his

as Gerfaut's had been tender; "I am her husband, and I do not recog

imprudent; what would become of your vaunted honor then? But you will slowly kill her; you will make her die a new death every day, in ord

ng, lighted a candle as if to

Monsieur," said he

refuse to give me one word which will assure me o

nothing

ect her, and I will do it in

," interrupted th

en them and looked at him for a mo

led Lamb

backward as if h

your slightest actions with inexorable vigilance; he will be Madame de Bergenheim's protector, if you forget that your first duty is to protect her. The day upon which you abuse your position with her, the day when she shall call out despairingly, 'Help me!' that day shall my deposition be placed in

a hunting- knife which hung there. Octave, as he saw him ready

might embarrass you;

on the floor with such fo

u were Lambernier's assassin. I-He knew this infamou

ury that would not condemn you, and that is what I wish, for such a sentence wo

u, a gentleman, would not denounce me! And, besides, would not my b

ndemn me, for they will see only the action, and that is odious. There is one thing, however, more precious and necessary to me than the world's opinion, and that is peace for every day, t

d," Bergenheim r

iving, I must keep silent and bow before your will; but dead, your absurd laws no longer exist for me; dead, I can place myself between you and her, and I will do it. Since, in order to aid her, I have no choice of arms, I will not recoil from the one weapon which present

s!" exclaimed Christian, a

with a calm, stony g

his matter stop then and there. I submit to death myself; but I exact liberty for her-liberty, with peace and respect. Think it over, Monsieur; at t