Page:The Rebellion in the Cevennes (Volume 2).djvu/65

Rh possession belonged not to my happiness and existence, you are nearer to me, you are, God be praised! not lost to me. Let me enjoy the satisfaction of having found you again among the ruins, and I will thank Heaven with heartfelt tears for my calamity. Follow me now and abandon your unfortunate covenant. The time and favourable moment will be found, when we may fly over the frontiers of our native land, and under another sky be permitted to rear the blessing of our love again."

"Only require not this of me, generous man," cried Edmond, as if in unconscious anger: at least I must punish, avenge, retaliate in some degree on our and God's foes. Oh Catinat! how unjust I have been in censuring thee. No, I will not degrade mercy so far by wasting it on these wretches, who might take the tiger in apprenticeship in order to augment his malice and cruelty."

Vila came up with the lantern and turned the light upon the youth's pale, agitated