"He
captured me this morning, and he released me upon parole rather
than take me back to the French army, where I should have been
starved."
"Since Colonel Gerard has acted so generously you will surely,
now that fortune has changed, allow us to offer him the poor
shelter of our cellar upon this bitter night," said Sophie. "It
is a small return for his generosity."
But the Dragoon was still in the sulks.
"Let him give me his parole first that he will not attempt to
escape," said he. "Do you hear, sir? Do you give me your
parole?"
"I give you nothing," said I.
"Colonel Gerard," cried Sophie, turning to me with a coaxing
smile, "you will give me your parole, will you not?"
"To you, mademoiselle, I can refuse nothing. I will give you my
parole, with pleasure."
"There, Major Sergine," cried Sophie, in triumph,
"that is surely sufficient. You have heard him say that he gives
me his parole. I will be answerable for his safety ."
In an ungracious fashion my Russian bear grunted his consent, and
so I was led into the house, followed by the scowling father and
by the big, black-bearded Dragoon.
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