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Rh "That hate is very like the passionate indifference which you no doubt have for me."

"Even if I were indifferent I ought to save you from the peril in which I have plunged you. If chance so wills it that M. de Rênal should speak to Elisa, she can acquaint him with everything in a single word. What is to prevent him from hiding near my room fully armed?"

"What, not even courage?" said Madame de Rênal, with all the haughtiness of a scion of nobility.

"I will never demean myself to speak about my courage," said Julien, coldly, "it would be mean to do so. Let the world judge by the facts. But," he added, taking her hand, "you have no idea how devoted I am to you and how overjoyed I am of being able to say good-bye to you before this cruel separation."