"Tell me you were misled then, fascinated, perverted, but that your
heart returned to me. Clear yourself of deliberate deceit, and I will
believe and thank you on my knees."
"Heaven have pity on us both!" cried poor Rose.
"On us! Thank you for saying on us. See now, you have not gained
happiness by destroying mine. One word--do you love that man?--that
Dujardin?"
"You know I do not."
"I am glad of that; since his life is forfeited; if he escapes my friend
Raynal, he shall not escape me."
Rose uttered a cry of terror. "Hush! not so loud. The life of Camille!
Oh! if he were to die, what would become of--oh, pray do not speak so
loud."
"Own then that you DO love him," yelled Edouard; "give me truth, if you
have no love to give. Own that you love him, and he shall be safe. It is
myself I will kill, for being such a slave as to love you still."
Rose's fortitude gave way.
"I cannot bear it," she cried despairingly; "it is beyond my strength;
Edouard, swear to me you will keep what I tell you secret as the grave!"
"Ah!" cried Edouard, all radiant with hope, "I swear.
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