I have decided: so no more doubts, love; no more tears; no more
disputes. We are all of one mind, and I do think I have secured your
happiness. It will not come in a day, perhaps, but it will come. So then
in one little fortnight you marry Monsieur Raynal."
"What!" said Josephine, "you have actually settled that?"
"Yes."
"But are you sure I can make him as happy as he deserves?"
"Positive."
"I think so too; still"--
"It is settled, dear," said Rose soothingly.
"Oh, the comfort of that! you relieve me of a weight; you give me peace.
I shall have duties; I shall do some good in the world. They were all
for it but you before, were they not?"
"Yes, and now I am strongest for it of them all. Josephine, it is
settled."
Josephine looked at her for a moment in silence, then said eagerly,
"Bless you, dear Rose; you have saved your sister;" then, after a
moment, in a very different voice, "O Camille! Camille! why have you
deserted me?"
And with this she fell to sobbing terribly. Rose wept on her neck,
but said nothing. She too was a woman, and felt that this was the last
despairing cry of love giving up a hopeless struggle.
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