Page:A strange, sad comedy (IA strangesadcomedy00seawiala).pdf/213

Rh expected opportunity of going back to France, had basely left her only the day before.

"And so, as I am a soldier's daughter and a soldier's widow," she said, with a smile, "I thought, 'What can harm one in this chivalrous country? I will go alone. I will take enough money with me'—I was careful not to take too much—'and I will simply find out the quickest way to reach Mr. Romaine, and see him; and then I will return to New York, where I have friends.'"

"A very courageous thing for a lady to do, madam," replied the Colonel, gallantly. "But I think you will find, particularly in the State of Virginia, that a woman's weakness is her strength. Every Virginia gentleman is the protector of a defenseless woman."

Madame de Fonblanque smiled prettily, showing very white teeth. She did not quite understand the Colonel's allusion to Virginia gentlemen especially, but having great tact, she appeared to comprehend it perfectly.

"But do not think for a moment," she said, "that I would bestow my confidence upon all men as I have bestowed it on you. The supreme honesty of your character was perfectly visible to me the instant you addressed me.