Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/29

Rh Louise raised her sweet face, which the tears, rolling down one after the other, illumined like diamonds.

"Come, confess," said Montalais.

"What shall I confess?"

"What makes you Aveep; people don't weep without a cause. I am your friend; whatever you would wish me to do, I will do. Malicorne is more powerful than you think. Do you wish to go to Paris?"

"Alas!" sighed Louise.

"Do you wish to come to Paris?"

"To remain here alone, in this old castle, I who have enjoyed the delightful habit of listening to your songs, of pressing your hand, of running about the park with you. Oh! how I shall be ennuyée! how quickly I shall die!"

"Do you wish to come to Paris?" Louise breathed another sigh.

"You do not answer me."

"What would you that I should answer you?"

"Yes or no; that is not very difficult, I think."

"Oh! you are very fortunate, Montalais!"

"That is to say you would like to be in my place." Louise was silent.

"Little obstinate thing!" said Montalais; "did ever any one keep her secrets from her friend thus? But confess that you would like to come to Paris; confess that you are dying with the wish to see Kaoul again?"

"I cannot confess that."

"Then you are wrong."

"In what way?"

"Because — Do you see this brevet?"

"To be sure I do."

"Well, I would have made you have a similar one."

"By whose means?"

"Malicorne's."

"Aure, do you tell the truth? Is that possible?"

"Dame! Malicorne is there; and what he has done for me he must be sure to do for you."

Malicorne had heard his name pronounced twice; he was delighted at having an opportunity of coming to a conclusion with Mme. de St. Eemy, and he turned round:

"What is the question, mademoiselle?"

"Come hither, Malicorne," said Montalais, with an imperious gesture.

Malicorne obeyed.

"A brevet like thisi" said Montalais.