Page:Idalia, by 'Ouida' volume 3.djvu/180

Rh Vane smiled a little, in compassion. This nature, so warm, so bold, so free from every suspicion, so willing to avoid every injustice, seemed to him so pitiable in its simplicity; its naked strength, that could so easily be pierced; its unselfish impulses, that could so easily be duped; its creed of truth, that was followed so blindly and so recklessly! "You wrong me," he said, with that tranquil dignity which had again replaced the ironic fiivolity of his usual manner—"wrong me greatly. Think but a moment, and you will yourself see how. The cause for which Madame de Vassalis has been arraigned is mine; would it be likely that I should find favour with Court or Church, even were I base enough to seek it? She is the life, the soul, the inspiration, often the treasury, of our projects, the Manon Roland of our latter-day Girondists; is it not palpable that what strikes at her must strike at us? Besides, leaving every such reason aside, can you believe that, as a guest, I should harm my hostess; as a man, betray a woman? Rather do me some measure of justice. Believe, at least, that I can have some admiration, some sympathy for your magnificent daring; quixotic I may deem it, but reverence it I must"

Erceldoune heard him, swayed against his