THE WATCH-TOWER OF KOAT-VEN. 583 



The order is prompt," added he, as he exchanged a look with the ba- 

 roness. " Ah !" said the Baron, " how can I be ready in forty-eight 

 hours?'' We do not, as I imagine, Baron, go to sea immediately. In a 

 note appended to my commission is a hint from the marshal that I 

 am ordered thus early to Brest to superintend the fit-out and direct 

 the equipment of my frigate. We propose to organize a new system 

 of artillery." " In that case,'' replied the baron, " I shall have time 

 to arrange my affairs. But I must leave you, Madame, it is the hour 

 of meeting at the club." 



***** 



" In two days, then, you depart ?" said Cecile. 



" I depart,'' said Henry, gaily," and take with me your husband. 

 You ought to be obliged to me for that, for I shall ensure the happi* 

 ness of some fortunate lover. Ah ! parbleu, I guessed aright,'' ex- 

 claimed Henry, as he unfolded a half-burnt letter which lay within 

 the grate. " Was I wrong, then, in disbelieving your protestations?'* 

 <4 This letter from Colonel de St. Cyr contains nothing that I fear to 

 avow/' replied Cecile. ' He corresponded with me before I knew 

 you ; his letters are full of delicate friendship, nothing more. But 

 you will not believe me ; you will not believe in my affection," cried 

 Cecile, bursting into tears. "Yes, Cecile, I will believe thy love if 

 thou wilt grant me indubitable proof. You say you love me ; prove 

 it then. In two days I quit for a hazardous warfare ; I may never 

 see you again. Let me then bear the conviction within my breast 

 that I have once been loved and truly loved. The sacrifice is im- 

 mense, Cecile, but I demand it of you as an atheist demands a mira- 

 cle from heaven that he may believe ;'* and Henry kissed Cecile's 

 hands and seemed to shed tears. 



"'Tis impossible," exclaimed Cecile, urged to despair; " it must 

 never be. Besides, the preparations for the voyage will keep the 

 baron near me more than ever." 



" A pretext/' said Henry. " Good God, Henry '. a pretext ; no. v 



"If then it be no pretext, Cecile, I have thought on a mean of re- 

 moving your husband. You have often written to St. Cyr ?" " I have 

 said it." " He has your letters ?" " I believe so." "You have his ?" 

 " Yes." '* Nothing in them can compromise you ?" " No, no, no* 

 here they are, read them." " Well, then, when your husband shall 

 return, throw yourself at his feet, confess your correspondence, tell 

 him that at the moment of his departure for America you would dis- 

 cover to him a secret which disturbs your peace. Tell him you have 

 been imprudent ; that you have stopped at the edge of the abyss at 

 the moment you might have fallen. Give him the letters to prove it 

 to him, and request him to place you in a convent during his ab- 

 sence." "Well ?" " Then request him to obtain your letters from 

 the colonel, and return his. Implore him to start for Nevers imme- 

 diately, and we shall gain twenty-four hours to ourselves, Cecile, and 

 you will ensure the future confidence of the baron." " Good hea- 

 vens !" exclaimed Cecile, " the demon of darkness alone could have 

 inspired such ideas. The scheme is infamous. God forbid that I 

 should ever consent. I will not ; never. Rather may you doubt my 

 love." 



2 T 2 



