impressions, the cause might claim a deeper
devotion; but this is a theme I would not wish to enter upon.'

'We are aware of that,' said Laura quickly; 'we are quite prepared for
your reserve, which is perfectly proper and becoming.'

'Your position being one of unusual delicacy,' chimed in the marquise.

I bowed haughtily and coldly, while the marquise uttered a thousand
expressions of gratitude and regard to me.

'We had hoped to have seen you here a few days longer, monsieur,' said
she, 'but perhaps, under the circumstances, it is better as it is.'

'Under the circumstances, madame,' repeated I, 'I am bound to agree with
you'; and I turned to say farewell.

'Rather, _au revoir_, Monsieur de Tiernay,' said the marquise;
'friendship, such as ours, should at least be hopeful; say then _au
revoir_.'

'Perhaps Monsieur de Tiernay's hopes run not in the same channel as our
own, aunt,' said Laura, 'and perhaps the days of happiness that we look
forward to would bring far different feelings to his heart.'

This was too pointed--this was insupportably offensive I and I was only
able to mutter, 'You are right, mademoiselle'; and then, addressing
myself to the marquise, I made some blundering apologies about haste
and so forth; while I promised to fulfil her commission faithfully and
promptly.

'Shall we not hear from you?' said the old lady, as she gave me her
hand. I was about to say, 'Under the circumstances, better not'; but I
hesitated, and Laura, seeing my confusion, said, 'It might be unfair,
aunt, to expect it; remember how he is placed.'

'Mademoiselle is a miracle of forethought and candour too,' said I.
'Adieu! adieu for ever!' The last word I uttered in a low whisper.

'Adieu, Maurice,' said she, equally low, and then turned away towards
the window.

From that moment until the instant when, out of breath and exhausted, I
halted for a few seconds on the crag below the fortress, I knew nothing;
my brain was in a whirl of mad, conflicting thought. Every passion
was working within me, and rage, jealousy, love, and revenge were
alternately swaying and controlling me. Then, however, as I looked down
for the last time on the village and the cottage beside the river, my
heart softened, and I burst into a torrent of tears. There, said I, as
I arose to resume my way, there! one illusion is dissipated; let me take
care that life never shall renew the affliction! Henceforth I will be a
soldier, and only a soldier