And therefore I stand here ready to forgive
all that is past; not without a struggle, which you don't seem to
appreciate."
Camille was now utterly mystified. Raynal continued, "But of course it
is upon condition that you consent to heal the wound you have made. If
you refuse--hum! but you will not refuse."
"But what is it you require of me?" inquired Camille impatiently.
"Only a little common honesty. This is the case: you have seduced a
young lady."
"Sir!" cried Camille angrily.
"What is the matter? The word is not so bad as the crime, I take it. You
have seduced her, and under circumstances--But we won't speak of them,
because I am resolved to keep cool. Well, sir, as you said just now,
it's no use crying over spilled milk; you can't unseduce the little
fool; so you must marry her."
"M--m--marry her?" and Dujardin flushed all over, and his heart beat,
and he stared in Raynal's face.
"Why, what is the matter again? If she has played the fool, it was with
you, and no other man: it is not as if she was depraved. Come, my lad,
show a little generosity! Take the consequences of your own act--or your
share of it--don't throw it all on the poor feeble woman.
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